Written by Hayley Kate Webb
The Harding men’s and women’s track and field teams began their 2021-22 competition schedule in Pittsburg, Kansas, on Dec. 4 and 5. The teams traveled to compete in two events hosted by Pittsburg State University at the Robert W. Plaster Center.
The Boo Rogers Multi Events began on Friday. Four Bison athletes competed in the events. Senior pentathlete Lauren Shell said the competition was a great first meet for the team.
“It was good for us to be able to evaluate where we are at before Christmas break,” Shell said. “This meet helps us prepare for the rest of the season.”
On the women’s side of the competition, three Lady Bisons competed in the pentathlon. Freshman Emily Patterson scored 2,799 points in her collegiate debut, placing 20th. Shell set a personal record with 3,114 points, placing 11th. Freshman Sofie Reitbauer placed third, scoring 3,274 points. On the men’s side of the competition, freshman Jacob Cantrell scored 4,167 points, placing 14th in the heptathlon.
On Saturday, 10 Bison athletes competed in the Crimson and Gold Classic. The three Lady Bisons who competed all turned in top-10 performances. Senior Cara Mason placed ninth in the shot put, senior Brylan Williams placed sixth in the high jump, and sophomore Mariah Miller placed fourth in the triple jump.
“It was super encouraging to see the progress made in such little time in regards to last year’s heights and times,” Williams said.
For the men, sophomore Fallou Gaye placed third in the 300-meter dash, junior Dakari Bush placed third in the 60-meter hurdles, senior Austin Parrish placed fifth in pole vault, and sophomore Dorian Chaigneau placed 10th in pole vault. The two pole vaulter’s scores reached NCAA provisional levels. Parrish’s performance of 4.90 meters was a personal record that advanced him to fifth on Harding’s all-time top performers list.
“We are starting at a much higher level than last year, which is really exciting,” Parrish said. “Our pre-season training has been exceptional, so we are expecting to do some really great things this year.”
