MOSCOW, Idaho – Sophomore Sam Atkin became the third Lewis-Clark State College athlete to qualify for the NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championship at the Idaho Collegiate invite on Friday.
Atkin, a product of Lincolnshire, England, qualified for nationals in the 3,000 meter run with a time of 8:40.65. It was his first time competing at an indoor meet.
Kaytlyn Coleman, who has already qualified for nationals in the shot put and the weight throw, finished first and set a new school record in the weight throw with a score of 59-04.00, the second longest throw this year in the nation.
John Murray, who qualified for nationals earlier this month, finished sixth in the weight throw Friday with a distance of 54-11.25. His national qualifying mark of 57-08.25 still stands as the fifth best score in the country.
“Obviously both Kaytlyn and John are looking forward to nationals as they are both in great positions to earn All-American slots this year,” said LCSC head coach Mike Collins. “Their performances are a great testament to our throws program and what coach (Arlen) Olson has done there. I’m very excited and proud of their accomplishments thus far.”
Nationals will begin on Feb. 28 and will be held in Geneva, Ohio.
In other events on Friday, LCSC’s Josh Carpenter set a school record in the indoor discus (142-03), and Justin Keller set a program best in the long jump (17-10.75).
