Pioneers Compete on Day One of 2018 Indoor Nationals

Birmingham, AL - The 2018 DIII NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships began today. Three Pioneers competed including Cody Faust in the heptathlon, Rodrick McMiller in the long jump, and Walker Rynes in the 5,000m run.  

Cody Faust competed in day one of the heptathlon. Beginning with the 60m dash, Faust ran 7.46 seconds nearing his personal best. In the second event of the day, Faust competed in the long jump. He finished the event with a best jump of the day of 6.11m (20-0.5). Next in the shot put, Faust threw 10.47m (34-4.25). To finish the day, in the high jump Faust jumped 1.81m (5-11.25) establishing a new personal indoor best. Faust currently sits in 15th place with 2486 points after day one. Tomorrow, Faust will compete in the 60m hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000m run.  

Rodrick McMiller competed in his first national championships today. Unfortunately, the first national championships resulted in three scratches for the freshman standout. McMiller had finished first at the WIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships with his national qualifying mark of 7.27m (23-10.25). 

In the 5,000m run, Walker Rynes ran an aggressive race from the start, following the lead of UW-Eau Claire's Darin Lau. Later in the race, Rynes dropped back to help lead the second pack of men who have separated from the first four runners. Rynes ended the race in ninth place with a time of 14:44.57.  

On day two of the indoor national championships, Cody Faust will continue competition in the heptathlon, Rachel Beuthin will compete in the shot put, and Noah Steiner will compete in the high jump.