Trio of Storm athletes kick off day one at national championships

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Three members of the Simpson men's track and field team competed on day one of the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

Spencer Moon competed in the men's 10,000 meters, settling in a chase pack that varied between 10 to 14 runners behind the two leaders. The junior phenom finished in 15th place overall, finishing in 29:40.06. His time broke the previous facility record and was just 13 seconds off his own school record.

Ulysses Patterson got his first taste of national championship action in the decathlon. Patterson sits in 18th overall after day one, but is only around 200 points back of eighth place, which is All-American status. The sophomore heads into tomorrow with the top mark in the discus throw and a top 10 time in the 1,500 meters.

Senior Carter Berkey competed in the first of two flights in the long jump, but unfortunately fouled on each of his attempts. The Indianola product departs from Simpson as the indoor long jump school record holder and a two-time all-conference performer in the event.

Patterson resumes action in the decathlon tomorrow at 9 a.m. and Max Cleveland opens his championships racing in the 110 meter hurdle prelims at 4 p.m.