This weekend was a great experience for the Nighthawks as they competed against many highly ranked programs at the Idaho State University Bengal Invitational in Pocatello, Idaho. NNU Track and Field came away with a whopping thirty-five new personal records and three new school records from the two-day event.
On the women's side, pole vaulter Kinsey Yenor had a fantastic day in her event, capturing the outdoor NNU pole vault record with a height of 3.98m (13'0.75"). Her achievement puts her 3rd in GNAC history for the pole vault.
Another school record was set this weekend in the women's 4X100 when NNU's Katie Baniaga, Kayla Baniaga, Abbey Wood, and Kalli Brence raced around the track in a swift 47.40 seconds.
Alejandra Gomez had a fantastic meet in Pocatello—snagging two new personal records in the women's 4X400m and 400m hurdles. Gomez's time of 1:05.51 in the 400m hurdles puts her 8th in NNU history.
"The 400 hurdles was a rollercoaster," said Gomez.
"When the race ended, I didn't feel like I had done that well. Almost 20 minutes later, I found out I ran 1:05.51--two seconds faster than my other PR. I was beyond happy! I started shaking and almost started crying with excitement!
"I felt so so happy because this was my third 400m hurdles race after almost two years of not running it, and I was able to run the times I used to run back then. Words can't describe the feelings of happiness I have inside of me!" exclaimed Gomez.
"The 4x400 was such an amazing experience," continued Gomez, thinking of the massive feat she shared with Kalli Brence, Laine DeJong, and Shayna Williams.
"I had the opportunity to run with such amazing ladies who I care so much about. Each of us did the best we could, and we had a great time! I am happy for all of us because I know that we did an amazing job. Most importantly, I had so much fun and I enjoyed it completely. This meet was incredible for everyone!"
Emma Clark's triple jump distance of 11.29m puts her 8th in NNU history, Laine DeJong's 57.15 second 400m dash performance puts her 4th in NNU history, and Abbey Wood's 24.42 second 200m performance improves her current NNU school record.
On the men's side, Quincy Ellis had a fantastic performance in the 800m dash with a time of 1:54.83, 8th in NNU history. Brayden Durfee claimed two new PRs in the 100m with a time of 10.86 seconds (5th in NNU history) and 200m with a time of 21.58 seconds (5th in NNU history).
Sprinter Hunter Braseth had fantastic performances in the sprints and 4X100m relay. In the 100m, Braseth crossed the line in 10.69 seconds, 4th in NNU history. In the 200m, he finished in 21.39 seconds, 2nd in NNU history. Together with Dallin Garner, Brayden Durfee, and Syl Hunt, the relay team snagged a new PR with a time of 41.37 seconds, 2nd in NNU history.
"This meet really felt like the culmination of a long year's work," said Braseth.
"Beyond just myself, I saw so many people either returning to the track, running faster than ever before, or putting down some amazing results. This meet was a testament to always trusting the process.
"I was insanely surprised by my 100m this week. I was hoping to break 11 seconds, but it blew me away by how well it turned out. Above all, however, the 200 was amazing. I've been trying to be better about how I handle my transition off the corner as well as how I finish my race, and I feel like I am finally starting to put it together.
"I had a really fun moment when a guy from Montana in my heat came up and celebrated with me because it was his first time running under 22 seconds. Overall, this meet was pretty wholesome and gave everyone great momentum going into Conference. I can't wait to see what's next for everyone—it's only up from here," added Braseth.
The Nighthawks are finally upon the GNAC Championships on May 12th and 13th in Monmouth, Oregon. Before that, though, the decathlon and heptathlon portions of the conference championships will be held on Monday and Tuesday, May 1-2, at Bohner Track in Nampa.
