Tabor’s track program began indoor competition Friday at the University of Kansas, competing against schools ranging from Division I to junior college.
Head coach Dave Kroeker said he was happy how his athletes performed despite having only one week of practice.
“This gives us a good start to track season and lets everyone see that we have a ways to go yet to get to where we need to be in May at the conference meet,” Kroeker said.
Kroeker noted that middle distance runner Nathan Vogel missed the national qualifying standard in the 600 yard run by one second.
He said the distance medley team also ran well, placing second behind Kansas State University. Medley runners were Vogel, Garrett Daugherty, Phillip Magos, and Joel Allen.
The men and women’s teams will compete Friday and Saturday at Wichita State.
Lady Jays take two conference victories
After beginning the season 0-4, the Tabor College women’s basketball team seems to have found its stride, winning seven of its last nine going into the past week.
The Bluejays first defeated McPherson College 90-48 at home, and then won 65-61 at Ottawa University Saturday.
The Lady Jays have two home games this week. They will play at 6 p.m. Thursday against Southwestern College, ranked 11th in NAIA Division II, and against University of St. Mary at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Smith named defensive player-of-the-week
Bluejay guard D’Marco Smith earned player-of-the-week honors for his effort on the defensive side of the ball this past week.
Down one point Thursday with less than three minutes left in regulation against McPherson, Smith made back-to-back steals, which the Bluejays converted into four points. Tabor did not lose the lead afterward, going on to win 69-63.
In a 75-71 loss at Ottawa Saturday, Smith made two more steals while scoring 11 points. Both games he defended the opponent’s leading scorers, holding them below their season averages.
The Bluejays play next at 8 p.m. Thursday against Southwestern and at 7 p.m. Saturday against St. Mary. Both games are in Hillsboro.