By taking its most athletes ever to the NAIA national track and field championships this weekend, the Dickinson State women's track and field team finally has a shot to make some national noise alongside the men's team.
"Don't you think it's about time though?" DSU senior Chadee Moss asked.
Moss is scheduled to compete in the long jump, triple jump and 400-meter relay and is one of six women competing in multiple events for the Blue Hawks.
With nine athletes competing in 14 events this weekend, the Blue Hawks have an excellent chance to shatter team records for best finish and most points scored at the national meet.
"The women are just stepping it up a level every year," DSU coach Pete Stanton said.
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With national pole vault champion Kelsey Aide leading the way last season, DSU finished 19th and scored 18 team points.
According to Moss, witnessing the DSU men's team gradually
improve its national finish before winning three consecutive national titles has inspired the women's team.
"We set our goals high, because, like I say, we take into account that
our guys have done it and we learned by example," Moss said.
The trick for the DSU men was having individual athletes capture success in multiple events.
Stanton believes that's what could be beginning to happen with the women's team. Only two athletes going to nationals this weekend are competing in one event.
While Aide is defending her pole vault title today and running in the 400 relay, junior Christa Hofland has her work cut out for her.
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The Dickinson High graduate is qualified in the discus, hammer throw and shot put.
Valdeana Bain is competing in both the high jump and triple jump. Crystal Eneas is in the high jump and 400 relay. Kyla Wasser is in the 100 dash and 400 relay.
"We have good balance there," Stanton said. "It's exciting for them and exciting for our program."
