GU Men Post Sprint and Field Event Podium Finishes at Dick Young Classic

GRINNELL, Iowa — The Graceland University men's outdoor track and field team recorded multiple top-three finishes April 11 at the Dick Young Classic, highlighted by a one-two finish in the 100 meters and a runner-up finish in the pole vault. Graceland accumulated points across sprint and field events, though a complete team score was not listed in the official results.

Graceland's top performance came in the 100 meters, where Tael Jean secured a first-place finish in 10.78 seconds, earning 10 points. Brice Taylor followed with a second-place finish in 10.88 seconds, adding eight points and completing a Yellowjacket sweep of the top two positions (see results on page 1).

In field competition, Caden Israel recorded a second-place finish in the pole vault, clearing 4.10 meters (13-5.25) to contribute eight team points (page 19).

Graceland also posted a scoring performance in distance events, with Xavier Rangel placing fourth in the 5,000 meters (18:05.46), narrowly outside podium position but contributing five points (page 15).

In horizontal jumps, Cole Milks finished fifth in the long jump with a mark of 6.20 meters (20-4.25), adding four points to the team total (page 19).

The Yellowjackets were represented in relay competition, though the 4x100 relay squad was disqualified, negating a potential scoring opportunity (page 16).

Additional contributions included mid-pack finishes across distance and throwing events, but Graceland's only top-three finishes came in the 100 meters and pole vault.

Head coach Tom Shore emphasized execution in sprint events and continued development across event groups.

"We executed well in the short sprints and saw positive marks in the pole vault," Shore said. "We need to convert more opportunities into scoring positions across the board as we progress through the outdoor schedule."

UP NEXT
Graceland returns to competition April 18 at the Mount Mercy DeBacker Invitational. The meet is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Robert W. Plaster Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland outdoor track and field and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.