Runner-up marks guide Morningside at GPACs

CRETE, NEB. – Sophomore sprinter Austin Freiberg had an experience he'll remember for some time Saturday, Feb. 19.

The Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, native, ranked fourth coming into the 60-meter hurdles at the 2022 Great Plains Athletic Conference Championships, clocked an 8.53 in the prelims to qualify seventh for the finals. In the championship on the track at Doane University's George and Sally Haddix Recreation Center, he bolted out of the blocks and crossed in 8.34 seconds, a new career-best. His time also made a B cut for the 2022 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Championships. It was second only to host school Zach Turner's 8.23, an automatic national qualifying effort. 

Freiberg's runner-up outing was one of two for head coach Dave Nash's men's team. Senior Tyler Carney (Ames, Iowa) ran to a 2:00.69 in the 800 and was just nipped by Dordt University's sophomore sensation Payton Mauldin (1:59.83) for the top spot. Those two marks led a 32-point team finish, suitable for eighth and only nine points removed from a slot in the first six.

Morningside's women wound up sixth on the team list with 38 points. Three individual events placed in the top five to lead the charge, as senior Jo McKibben (Mapleton, Iowa) was fourth in the 800; senior Emalee Fundermann (Anthon, Iowa) ended in a similar spot in the 1000; and senior Kristine Honomichl (Westminster, Colo.) who was fifth in the mile.

The Mustangs also had their 4x400 and 4x800 meter relays take fourth for the women. Senior Ro Paschal (Mancos, Colo.) claimed a third first five placing for the men, winding up fifth in the mile.

Morningside moves into preparations for the 2022 national meet set for Thursday through Saturday, March 3-5.