track-field-2021

YANKTON, S.D. (vcsuvikings.com) – Valley City State All-American thrower Zachary Co wasted little time qualifying for nationals at Friday’s season-opening indoor track meet in Yankton, S.D.

The Viking senior unleashed a monster shot put throw of 16.86 meters (55 feet, 3.75 inches) on his very first attempt of the season, soaring past the NAIA national qualifying mark and announcing himself as a national contender. Co easily won Friday’s meet, besting second place by more than 10 feet.

Co’s mark is the second-best throw in the entire NAIA this season, trailing only last year’s national champion Dylan Kucera (17.61 meters) of Midland University. Co finished sixth at the national meet last season, earning NAIA All-American honors. His throw Friday was 0.40 meters better than his throw at nationals.

The big throw by Co highlighted VCSU’s first meet of the season, which also included 15 Top 3 finishes and four individual champions.

“Today’s meet was a great way to start the season,” said head coach Laquone Robinson. “We didn’t have a lot of personal records, but that’s okay for the first meet. What’s important is we came together as a team and were there supporting each other. That’s a big step knowing our team is moving in the right direction.”

Sophomore Brooke Malsom had a big day for the Viking women, taking first place in the 60 meters and second place in both the 200 meters and the long jump. Brook Tibke won the women’s pole vault, and Hannah Gordon placed second in women’s shot put and third in weight throw.

Alex Otto won the men’s high jump, and Co added a second-place finish in weight throw to go along with his shot put victory.

Dakota State University and host school Mount Marty University also competed at Friday’s meet. Mount Marty’s facility will also be the site of this year’s NSAA Championships and the NAIA National Championships.

Up next: Valley City State is back in action Friday, Jan. 22, with a small meet at the University of Jamestown.