CKSR (Calvin Track and Field Athletes Close Out Competition at NCAA III Outdoor Track and Field Championships)

CALVIN KNIGHT SPORTS REPORT FOR MAY 24, 2014

NCAA III OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY THREE REPORT

by John Leerar
Four Calvin student athletes represented the Knights at the NCAA III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Those four individuals were seniors Nicole Michmerhuizen and Hilary Banning of the women's team and senior Ben de Waal Malefyt and junior Steven Haagsma of the men's team.

Calvin senior Nicole Michmerhuizen (Holland/Holland Christian HS) competed in the 5000 meter run Saturday night at the NCAA III Championships in Delaware, Ohio. Michmerhuizen finished 11th with a time of 16:59.24.
Michmerhuizen started out strong, leading the pack for the first 2500 meters. She then faded late, ending up crossing the finish line in 11th place.
The senior finishes her illustrious career with five All-American berths.
"I'm so sad to be done," said Michmerhuizen. "I wouldn't change any part of my experience. I'm so thankful for the time that I've had here. I am so blessed. I did my best and ran well for Calvin. That was all I could do."
Head coach Bret Otte commented on Nicole's race and career. "The 5k was incredibly fast this year. There were a bunch of people around 16:30 and for Nicole to come back from running the 10k on Thursday and to run sub-17 minutes is remarkable. Her race was a pleasure to watch.
"Nicole has also been great for this track team. She has lead by example as a student and through her All-Americans on the track. She represented Calvin very well in her four years here. You can't replace people but it will be very hard to replace her performance."
Nicole will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall to persue a doctorate.
Calvin senior Hillary Banning competed in the Triple Jump at the NCAA III Championships on the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University Saturday afternoon. Banning jumped 11.32 meters but failed to qualify for the finals, finishing 16th.
"It was a lot of fun to compete at Nationals," said Banning. "I didn't do as well as I had hoped, but I'm glad I did well this regular season. I'm really thankful for my coaches who have helped and encouraged me so much and that my family could be here to cheer me on."
Head Coach Bret Otte had nothing but praise for Banning. "Hillary did a tremendous job. She was very competitive in her flight."
Banning will be pursuing a career in Nursing.
Calvin senior Ben de Waal Malefyt (Midland Park, NJ/Eastern Christian HS) competed in the men's discus Saturday afternoon. He finished 16th out of 20 competitors, throwing for 46.82 meters.

"This was a great experience," said the senior de Waal Malefyt, competing in his first national meet. "I have been to a lot of meets but there's nothing like nationals. I am very honored to be here, and I was glad I could compete and represent Calvin. My performance today wasn't the result I was looking for, but I gave it my best."

de Waal Malefyt has one year of eligibility left, which he plans to use next track season.
Calvin junior Steven Haagsma (Grandville/Calvin Christian HS) competed in the finals of the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the NCAA III Championships Saturday Afternoon. He earned his spot by finishing 13th in the prelims on Thursday. Haagsma was 13th in the finals, finishing in a time of 9:33.91.
Haagsma started the race in the middle of the pack, and remained there for the first six laps of the race. He was in as high as 9th place before falling behind the pack for his 13th place finish.
"I thought Steven ran really well," said head track and field coach Bret Otte. "He got into the finals which is fantastic. I'm looking forward to watching him improve next year."
The Calvin women's team finished the competition with eight points - good for a tie for 30th place. The Calvin men did not score at the national meet.
Wartburg won the women's national title with 65 points while Mount Union won the men's title with 47 points.
Received on Sat May 24 23:12:19 2014