FARGO, N.D. - The North Dakota State men's track and field team will open the 2010 season by hosting the Bison Classic on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Bison Sports Arena. Field events begin at 1:00 p.m. while running events start at 2 p.m. The Bison will be competing against South Dakota State, Northern State, Mary, Manitoba, Minnesota State Moorhead and Concordia.
Bison ready for 2010
The Bison return a strong core of athletes for the 2010 season, including NCAA regional qualifiers Weston Leutz (110 hurdles) and Scott Johnson (hammer). Junior Logan Hollenkamp returns as the school record holder in the weight throw, while sophomore Travis Fitzke is coming off an appearance at the U.S. Junior National Championships in the 1,500 meters.
Leutz named Summit League Athlete of the Week
North Dakota State sophomore Weston Leutz was named the Summit League Men's Track and Field Athlete of the Week after reaching an NCAA provisional score at the Bison Holiday Heptathlon on Dec. 12. Leutz finished second in the heptathlon with 5,331 points. His score is second all-time on the NDSU performance charts. The Bismarck native won the 60 meters and the 60 meter hurdle events and finished third in the long jump, shot put, high jump and pole vault. This is his first career weekly honor.
Leutz reaches NCAA provisional mark at Bison Holiday Heptathlon
North Dakota State sophomore Weston Leutz reached an NCAA provisional qualifying mark with 5,331 points at the Bison Holiday Heptathlon Dec. 12. Leutz finished second in the event, while junior Ted Rud was third with 5,254 points. Leutz and Rud are now second and third all-time at NDSU in the heptathlon. Redshirt freshman Ryan Jenson was fifth with 4,389 points and freshman Andy Lillejord competed unattached and was sixth with 4,367 points.
Larson back for 31st season
Head coach Don Larson returns for his 31st year in charge of the men's track and field program. In 2009, he led the Bison to their second straight Summit League indoor crown and a runner-up finish at the league outdoor championships. Larson was named the indoor coach of the year and also coached NDSU's first indoor Division I All-American in Matt Bishoff, who was 11th in the heptathlon at the NCAA Championships.
2009 review
The Bison claimed their second straight Summit League indoor crown behind an MVP performance from senior Matt Bishoff, the winner of the heptathlon and runner-up in the pole vault and long jump. Don Larson was named coach of the year. Bishoff finished 11th in the heptathlon at the NCAA Indoor Championships, becoming NDSU's first Division I All-America performer. At the Summit League Outdoor Championships, the Bison claimed five titles and came in second behind Southern Utah. NDSU sent five athletes to the NCAA Midwest Regional during outdoor season: Ross Schilling (800m), Scott Johnson (hammer), Weston Leutz (110 hurdles), Jeremiah Sellheim (javelin) and Shawn Francis (pole vault).
