Ellingson, Bucklin improve standing at North Central

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Catie Ellingson (Indianola, Iowa/Indianola) set a school record and Lauren Bucklin (Bondurant, Iowa/Bondurant-Farrar) improved her standing in the 100-meter hurdles as Simpson took part in the Gregory Track & Field Invitational on Friday, the last chance to qualify for the national championships.

Ellingson won the 1500 meter run in a school-record time of 4:28.16, giving her the fourth-best time in the nation in the event. Bucklin's effort in the prelims of the 100-meter hurdles, a season-best time of 14.16, moved her into a tie for third in the NCAA. After getting second in the prelims, Bucklin won the finals in 14.31.

Ali Hagerty (Tama, Iowa/South Tama) gave Simpson its other top finish, winning the javelin throw with a toss of 127-6. The performance didn't improve her standing in the nation, as she currently owns the No. 25 distance in the NCAA, a toss of 132 feet at the Iowa Conference Championships.

Jess Christensen (Harlan, Iowa/Harlan) re-set her own school record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, shaving another five seconds off her previous best time (11:05.15). With the provisional qualifying effort, she sits at No. 32 in the nation.

Running the 800 meters, Sarah Hammel (Dorchester, Iowa/Waukon) finished ninth with a season-best time of 2:13.66. That time ranks 36th in the nation.

On the men's side, John Cord (Atlantic, Iowa/Atlantic) took fifth in the long jump (21-8 3/4) and Scott Danielson (Dayton, Iowa/Southeast Webster-Grand) took 11th in the shot put (49-1).

The NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships will take place May 27-29 at Baldwin Wallace College in Cleveland.