SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University men's and women's track and field teams competed with full squads for the first time in the 2016 outdoor season over the weekend at the Vance Butler Invite hosted by Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The Tigers saw a pair of school records fall and a freshman qualify provisionally for the national championships, setting the tone for the outdoor season.
In her first competition as a Tiger, freshman Abigail Collingham (Polk, Neb.) set a new school record in the women's pole vault, clearing the bar at 3.07 meters. Collingham finished eighth in the event.
Another freshman, Kristen Longville (Lake Preston, S.D.), added her name to the record book as well. Longville placed second in the women's triple jump with a leap of 11.37 meters. The distance set a new standard for DWU in the event.
Fresh off her NAIA All-American finish at the Indoor National Championships, senior Skylar Forgey (Colome, S.D.) got her spring off to a strong start, placing fifth in the women's 800-meter run. She crossed the line in 2 minutes, 20.35 seconds.
On the men's side, freshman Ben Hammer (Dell Rapids, S.D.) qualified provisionally for the 2016 NAIA Outdoor National Championships in the shot put. Hammer placed second with a toss of 15.42 meters.
The Tigers are in action next at the Dordt Invite Saturday in Sioux Center, Iowa.