Patten Wins 800m; Storm Fifth At Central Missouri Invite
The Simpson College men's track and field team finished fifth (20) at the Central Missouri Invitational Jan. 23 in Warrensburg, Mo. Central Missouri (181) won the team scoring race. Simpson was the only Division III school entered in the meet.
Eric Patten (Jr., Webb, Iowa, Sioux Central H.S.) won the 800m in a time of 1:58.29.
Kyle Yarkosky (Jr., Albia, Iowa, Albia H.S.) was third in the 600 yard run (1:13.32). Zach Smith (Sr., St. Louis, Mo., CBC H.S.) was fifth in the triple jump (44-10 ¾) and sixth in the long jump (21-11 ¾). Smith's triple jump was the third longest in school history. Louis Elbert (So., Indianola, Iowa, Indianola H.S.) was sixth in the 800m (2:00.67).
The Simpson 4x400m relay of Yarkosky, Smith, LeGrand Bien-Aime (Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Stranahan H.S.), and Patten was sixth (3:35.51).
"We had some nice performances in a definite step up in competition," said Simpson head coach Dave Cleveland. "Eric Patten looked solid winning the 800 in come from behind fashion. Overall, I was pleased with our effort. Louie Elbert has ran well in the 800 two weeks in a row. One thing that this trip showed that we need to work on is handling a long bus trip and being ready to compete when we get off the bus. We need to and will get better at the mental aspect of competing."
Team scoring
- Central Missouri 191.5
- Pittsburg State 113.5
- Emporia State 113
- Missouri S&T 44
- Simpson 20