By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Fort Hays State track and field program picked up three All-American honors Saturday (March 9) on day two of the 2024 NCAA Division II Indoor Championships. Six student-athletes from the men’s team earned their way onto the All-America podium, while one from the women’s squad earned first team honors and one earned second team honors over the two day event.
In the heptathlon, Nolan Churchman demonstrated formidable versatility, securing seventh place with a total score of 5437. This point total is the most by Churchman in his career, taking over his own point total at the top of the record books. His performance across the seven events showcased an impressive blend of speed, strength, and skill. Notably, his pole vault height of 15-3.0 feet showcased remarkable athleticism and skill, securing 804 points, and almost notching a personal best. Closing the Heptathlon with the 1,000m run in 2:57.01, Churchman rounded off his performance with a total score that reflected his all-around excellence. This All-American honor is Churchman’s sixth in his career, his third indoor honor.
In the pentathlon, Taylor Savolt exhibited commendable tenacity, finishing 11th with a total score of 3730. Savolt’s performance in the 60mH event was particularly noteworthy, as she clocked an impressive time of 8.79 seconds, earning 954. Despite facing stiff competition, Savolt displayed consistency across the board, with solid performances in the high jump, shot put, and long jump. Her second team All-American honor this year notches her second in her Tiger career.
Jacob Clark showcased his prowess in the pole vault, securing eighth place with a clearance of 16-10.25 feet. Clark’s achievement underscored his proficiency in the technical and demanding event and is his third indoor All-American honor in a row, placing sixth in the pole vault nationals two years in a row.
In the men’s high jump event, Dayton Williams soared to 16th place with a clearance of 6-8.0 feet. Williams’ performance was his second on the national stage, unable to finish with an All-American honor. Williams jump at nationals was only a few feet from the junior’s personal best.
The men’s team finished the meet in 30th with six points to their name, while the women’s team tied for 43rd with a single point.
As the curtains draw to a close on the indoor season, the Fort Hays State University track and field program can reflect with pride on their accomplishments. With eight All-American honors secured and numerous impressive performances across various events, the Tigers have once again showcased their talent on the national stage. The outdoor season will begin right here in Hays, Kan. At the FHSU Spring Invite.
Saturday Full FHSU Results
Heptathlon
7th – Nolan Churchman – 5437 ! @
60mH – 6.98 – 889
LJ – 23-0.0 – 816
SP – 40-9.5 – 633
HJ – 6-5.5 – 776
PV – 15-3.0 – 804
1,000m – 2:57.01 – 694
Pentathlon
11th – Taylor Savolt – 3730 &
60mH – 8.79 – 954
HJ – 5-1.25 – 689
SP – 34-7.0 – 565
LJ – 18-3.0 – 717
800m – 2:21.40 – 805
Men’s High Jump
16th – Dayton Williams – 6-8.0
Men’s Pole Vault
8th – Jacob Clark – 16-10.25 @
Friday
Heptathlon
6th – Nolan Churchman – 3114
60mH – 6.98 – 889
LJ – 23-0.0 – 816
SP – 40-9.5 – 633
HJ – 6-5.5 – 776
PV –
1,000m –
Women’s Pole Vault
8th – Annabeth Baalmann – 12-10.25 @
Men’s 400m Prelims
Hayden Albright – DQ
Men’s 800m Prelims
14th – Ethan Lang – 1:52.34
Men’s DMR
6th – Trever Medina, Hayden Albright, Ethan Lang, Grant Bradley – 9:50.67 @
! indicates school record
@ indicates first team All-America performance
& indicates second team All-America performance
Q indicates qualified for Saturday’s finals