Knutson - Boleen Crowned IIAC Champions
May 8, 2009
Liz Knutson and Lauren Boleen were crowned league champions during the first day of competition at the Iowa Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships that are being hosted by Central College May 8-9.
Knutson captured her first outdoor title in the pole vault, clearing the bar at 9-5 3/4, winning the league title by nearly six inches over runner-up Ashley Feldman of Central. Her league title also marks the second time in as many years a Luther pole vaulter has won the conference championship in this event.
Boleen provisionally qualified in the javelin and claimed the league title on her final throw of the day. She posted a distance of 137-0, smashing the Luther outdoor record set by Jess Ellis of 131-11 in 1997. She also became the first Luther outdoor champion in this event since 1991.
All-conference honors were also earned by Rachel Wobeter and Elise Bennett in the 10,000 meter run. Wobeter placed second from the field of 14 runners with a time of 39:25.79. Bennett was third clocked at 39:28.69. This was the second time both runners earned all-conference honors in this event during their careers. Bennett was the conference champion in 2007, followed by Wobeter who placed second.
Six semifinals running events were also decided during the first day of competition with the top eight competitors advancing to Saturday's finals. Dani Meirick and Sarah Lundine advanced to the finals in the 800 meters, while Michelle Voigts advanced in the 400 meter hurdles.
The second and final day of competition will begin with field events at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Finals of the running events will begin at 1:00 p.m. beginning with the 3,000 meter steeplechase.
