NNU Track & Field battled their way through the Mountain State Games in Pocatello, Idaho this weekend. The Nighthawks, once again, had a lot of success, as they finished with 32 individual personal record performances, and one new NNU Indoor record. 

Senior, Laine DeJong, broke the NNU indoor long jump record with an outstanding jump of 5.43m, which is actually 2cm under her personal best. Not only was she able to break the record, she also saw success in the 400m, running two PR's, one on Friday and the other on Saturday.

"After a mentally challenging meet at USU (Utah State) last weekend that resulted in frustrating performances, I wanted to focus on having fun and the privilege it is that I get to run at this level. With the help of my supportive teammates and the fun atmosphere, I was able to run two PR's in the 400," said DeJong. 

Dejong is now 3^rd in NNU history in the 400m, running a 58.03.

"In addition, I broke the school record in the long jump, which was really unexpected! I was only hoping for a mark to be able to compete in long jump at conference since it's my first meet back jumping, and had no idea that the record was within reach. I could not have done it without the support and encouragement from my teammates and coaches this weekend!," said DeJong. 

On the field side, Freshman, Hua Strickland had a successful meet. 

"This meet was definitely a growing meet for me. I had some good throws, but was really working on specific things each time. As long as I was successful in what I was focusing on, I was happy with the throw.,"  said Strickland. 

Strickland threw a PR in shot, previously throwing a 9.56m, and improving to a 9.81m.

"I was also trying to focus on having fun at the last meet with Coach Peterson. Looking forward, I am working for a season's best and learning/contributing to the team if I am given a chance at GNAC!," said Strickland.

The men's side of the competition also saw incredible successes. Redshirt Junior, Dylan Breuer, saw new personal records in both the 200m at 23.06 and the 400m at 51.08.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to glorify God at this meet, and to have such a wonderful and supportive team that allows me to perform at the level that God allows me to.," said Breuer. "I think I ran a bit more relaxed than last meet, which definitely helped in the 200m, the bank of the track probably helped me with that.  I am looking forward to spending more time with my team at GNAC, it's my favorite part of competing...it's something special!" 

 Sophomore Jonah Rau also improved his previous time in his 800m, and ran the 400m leg in the distance medley relay. 

"I was able to run a PR in the 800m with a time of 1:57.80. My plan for the race was to go out fast and hold on until the finish. Running a PR meant a lot after not racing in the XC season due to Achillies injuries and sickness.," said Rau. "I also ran the 4x4 relay that went really well for the whole team. Everyone ran well and we were able to secure the first seed going into GNAC's. I am looking forward to the conference meet. The 800 at conference will be fast, which will set up a good position for a PR and points!"

Lastly, Senior Derek Knight had a pretty eventful meet.

"I got a season's best in shot put at 12.69m and a PR in weight with a throw of 16.09m. I came into the meet 10^th for weight, just outside of finals," said Knight. "I was able to get into finals and got my PR on my 5^th throw. I am looking forward to how competitive the weight throw is going to be at GNAC's."

The Nighthawks are on the road again next week, as they are headed back up to Spokane, Washington for the GNAC Indoor Championships.