TIFFIN — Head Coach Chip Wilson and Mount Vernon Nazarene University Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field sent individuals to compete in the Tiffin Dragon Open, and junior throwers Joey McDonald and Mitchell Soviak made the most of it.
The two each met the standards required to qualify for the NAIA Indoor National Championships in the shot put in their first event of the season. Soviak met the “A” Standard with a throw of 16.28m or 53’5”, and McDonald hit the “B” Standard with a toss of 15.53m or 50’ 11.5”.
Soviak was the first NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Qualifier for the program during the 2017 season, and the duo both also qualified for the outdoor National Championships in the event as All-Crossroads League performers during that season.
The start to the 2018 season was an ideal one for both of the junior standouts for MVNU. Soviak’s throw put him in second in the Crossroads League and seventh in the national rankings, while McDonald ranks third in the Crossroads League and 18th in the national rankings.
In other results throughout the event, senior Sam Nordquist was able to finish third in the high jump with a leap of 6’ 2.25”. Full results from the event are included at the link below, highlighting the finishes for other MVNU participants.
“I am very proud of Mitchell and Joey for this accomplishment,” stated Wilson. “I have watched them work hard throughout their training and follow the program designed by Coach Kurt Roberts, who has done a tremendous job with all of our throwers. They both earned and deserve this opportunity to represent MVNU at NAIA Indoor Nationals.”
The NAIA Indoor Nationals will take place March 1-March 3 at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.
MVNU Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field will participate in their first event of the indoor season as a team next Saturday, Jan. 27 at Capital University. The meet will begin at 1 p.m.
