The Park University indoor track and field team capped off the season at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championship meet with excellent representation on the men’s and women’s teams in Brookings, South Dakota, on March 4.
While both teams made huge strides, Park senior and 2018 Park Hill graduate Jena Hahlbeck broke her own record in the 800-meter run. Hahlbeck was the only woman to compete on the second day, although Shelby Birmingham was scheduled to take off in the 200 and 400-meter runs.
Park University’s Jena Hahlbeck broke her own 800-record in the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championship meet as the 2018 Park Hill graduate finishing with a time of 2:12.82 on March 4.
Birmingham was unable to compete due to injury but has had a season to remember. She finished as Heart Second and Third Team All-Conference in the 200-meter and 400-meter runs, respectively.
Hahlbeck took first place in prelims as her time of 2:13.21 shaved down her own 800-meter school record, but the former Trojan was not done yet. On the final day of competitions, Hahlbeck cut down her time yet again.
Two straight days of record-breaking performances in the peak moment of the season is something special. Her improved indoor 800-meter record of 2:12.82 secured fourth place in the finals and etched her in as a 2023 NAIA All-American.
Hahlbeck has a history of breaking records as she broke a Park Hill record three times in her junior year alone en route to being a Class 5 State Champion in the 4x400-meter relay back in 2017. Hahlbeck was a 2-time state qualifier for the Trojans before her impressive Pirate career began.
This is her first NAIA All-American honor, and the 2018 Park Hill graduate is coming off an impressive feat. She was the individual champion and Heart First Team All-Conference in the 800-meter run at the 2023 Heart Indoor Championships.
On the first day of the championship lineup, the Pirate men’s 4x800-meter relay team was the first to compete for Park. Timothy Caines, Alexander Caines, Ethan Willmann and Tom Schroeder each were in their first appearance at the national championship and completed the event in a 7:59.27 for 21st place.
All in all, it was a great first showing for three freshmen and one sophomore with a bright future ahead. They showed out at the right time setting a Park indoor school record with a 7:51.54 at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships and are Heart Second Team All-Conference members.