Patrick and Bolander May 16, 2009

Dutch 4 x 400 squad runs qualifying time

NAPERVILLE, ILL.—The Central College men’s 4 x 400 meter relay team reached the NCAA provisional qualifying time in its last chance of the season at the North Central Last Chance Open Friday night, but was unable to put up a time that will be good enough for the Division III national meet.      

Juniors Matt Patrick (Dallas Center, Dallas Center-Grimes HS), Luke Bolander (Des Moines, East HS), Jordan Gegner (Martensdale, Martensdale-St. Marys HS) and Alex Miller (Adel, Van Meter HS) finished in 3 minutes, 15.90 seconds, Central’s best time of the season in 4 x 400 relay, but their time ranks 22nd in Division III this year.

“We didn’t have anything that solidified any spots for us,” said Central head coach Joe Dunham. “But we’ve got some borderline athletes right now and this will serve as a good tune up for anyone that does go to the national meet.”

Sophomore Matt Graber (Newton), who already had a provisional qualifying mark, uncorked a pair of hefty throws in the shot put that landed just out of bounds.

“I think those would have put him in the top four or five in the country,” said Dunham. “But now we just have to wait and see if he gets in.”

Dunham felt the women’s 4 x 400 meter squad was on pace to run a qualifying time as well, but a collision at the final exchange may have cost them.

“You just never know what’s going to happen at these last chance meets,” Dunham said. “I think we came ready to compete today but things don’t always go like you plan.”

The Dutch will have to wait and see just how many athletes will be going to the NCAA Division III Championships beginning Thursday in Marietta, Ohio.