Simpson track teams compete at the Jim Duncan Invitational

DES MOINES, Iowa - Competing against Division I programs such as Iowa State, Drake, UNI and North Dakota, the Simpson track and field teams turned in 10 top-five finishes over the weekend at the Jim Duncan Invitational at Drake Stadium.

On the women's side, Jess Christensen (Harlan, Iowa/Harlan) set a school record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, placing fifth (11:40.94). She broke Emily Salberg's record of 11:56.05 set in 2007.

Catie Ellingson (Indianola, Iowa/Indianola) gave Simpson its lone first-place finish on the day, winnign the 1500 meters in 4:34.02.

Lauren Bucklin (Bondurant, Iowa/Bondurant-Farrar) placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles, bettering her provisional qualifying mark after turning in a time of 14.34. Bucklin also took fifth in the 400 hurdles (1:05.31).

Ali Hagerty (Tama, Iowa/South Tama) had Simpson's next-best finish of the meet, placing third in the javelin (116-6). Sarah Hammel (Dorchester, Iowa/Waukon) took fifth in the 800 (2:16.72) and Chelsey Degen (Algona, Iowa/Algona) placed fifth in the discus (133).

On the men's side, Marty Rounds (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Jefferson) placed in the top seven in three events. He placed second in the 100 hurdles (15.08), sixth in the 100 (10.95) and seventh in the 400 hurdles (56.89).

Jake Darrington (Louisburg, Kan./Louisburg) placed third in the javelin (181-3) and Scott Danielson (Dayton, Iowa/Southest Webster-Grand) placed fourth in the shot put (49-3 1/2). Casey Dunning (Marion, iowa/Linn-Mar) set a personal-best time in the 5,000 meters, placing 18th (15:48.68).

Simpson returns to action next weekend when it goes to Grinnell for the Dick Young Classic.