March 10, 2008

Submitted Photo by Shelly Van Peursem
Front Left to Right:  Trojan Women's Head Coach Trent Mack, Bobbi Jo Dykstra, Janelle Stickler, Chris Heezen, Anthony Drealan, Tyler Van Peursem, Lee Irvine, and Trojan Men's Head Coach Buzz Stevenson.

(Madison, SD) -  During the final meet of the season at the NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championship in Johnson City, TN, one Trojan athlete from the men's indoor track and field team has earned an All-American honor, while other competed at the national meet.

Submitted Photos by Shelly Van Peursem

Tyler Van Peursem, sophomore of Sioux Falls, SD, placed sixth in the men's 800 meter run finals.  He finished finished with a time of 1:56.09.  As Van Peursem placed in the top six, he earned the NAIA All-American honor.  Before advancing to the finals, he placed 8th in the semifinals with a time of 1:56.66.  Fellow teammates, Lee Irvine, missed the cut in making to the finals as he placed 9th in the semifinals with a time of 1:56.81.  Tyler is the son of Kevin and Shelly Van Peursem of Sioux Falls, SD.  Lee is the son of Frank and Ann Irvine of Lander, WY.

Senior Chris Heezen (pictured right--submitted photo by Shelly Van Peursemm) competed in his final indoor track season as he ran in the men's 5000 meter.  In the semifinals, he placed 11th overall with a time of 15:24.70 and advanced to the finals.  In the finals, Heezen finished 10th with a time of 15:17.47.  Chris is the son of Jerry and Peggy Heezen of Miller, SD.

Bobbi Jo Dykstra ran in the women's 60 meter hurdles at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championship Meet.  In the preliminary round, she placed 6th overall with a time of 9.12 seconds and advanced to semifinals.  Dykstra, senior at Dakota State University, finished 9th place in the semifinals with a time of 9.08 seconds and did not advance to the finals.  Bobbi is the daughter of Brian and Linda Dykstra of Marion, SD.

Sophomore Anthony Drealan participated in the men's one mile run at the NAIA Championship Meet.  In the semifinals, he finished 14th place with a time of 4:25.95 and did not advance to the finals.  Anthony is the son of Wayne and Heidi Drealan of Fulda, MN.

Janelle Stickler participated in the women's pole vault and missed at 11 feet opening height.  She is the daughter of Todd and Julie Stickler of Huron, SD, and is a sophomore at Dakota State University.

The Trojan men's and women's outdoor track and field team will begin their season as they will be hosting the Trojan Invitational at the Trojan Field on Saturday, March 29th.

For complete results at the NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championship Meet, click here.

Other Photos at NAIA National Meet (Submitted Photos by Shelly Van Peursem):

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State Sports Information Director