Bexley, Ohio – March 12, 2011 - Junior Joe Yoder (West Liberty, Ohio / West Liberty Salem), a member of the Heidelberg University men's track and field teams, earned All-American honors in the pentathlon after finishing sixth place with a total of 3,580 points at the 2011 NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships today. The event is hosted by Capital University, located inside Capital Center Fieldhouse.
“It was almost overwhelming,” said Yoder. “I’ve been working for this all year. I’ve been working and praying all day. I came out focused all morning and was ready to go and it paid off.”
Yoder earned a pentathlon personal record in the 55 meter hurdles (7.98), long jump (19’7.5”), and in the 1,000 meter run (2.42.95) and tied his personal best in high jump with clearing 6’5.5”. He finished strong in the last two events with making the final four in high jump and earning first place in 1,000 meters.
Yoder is the first pentathlete All-American and only the fifth men’s indoor All-American in Heidelberg’s history.
“I credit my Lord and Savior definitely,” said Yoder. “He keeps me motivated and brings my anxiety down. All of the coaches have helped me in each event.”
This earns first-year head coach Bri Shook her first All-American under her regime.
“It feels awesome,” Shook said. “It couldn’t have happened to a better person. Joe’s the most positive person. It’s awesome to see him perform the way he did today.”
“It makes everyone want to work hard,” added Shook. “Everybody is going after their goals and when watching Joe, it excites everybody.”
Also competing at nationals for the Berg was sophomore Marian Bevington (Celina, Ohio / Parkway). She placed 12th in long jump with a leap of 17’5.25” yesterday.
For up-to-date information on the nationals (including live stats, photos, and video) go to the championship website here.