Two C of I Runners Win Heats at NAIA Championships
College of Idaho runners Tyler Hopper and Stephanie Helm both won their preliminary heats this afternoon at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Johnson City, Tenn., advanced to tomorrow's national championship races.
Hopper won the first of three heats of the 1,000-meters, setting a school record of 2:29.68, outdistancing Durrell Williams of Oklahoma Baptist by five tenths of a second. The senior hung back of the pack for the majority of the race, then made a big move with 300-meters to go and hung on for the win. Hopper had the fourth-fastest time overall - as he will compete in a field of eight for the title.
Helm had the fastest time in both preliminary heats of the 3,000-meters, defeating Marion Kandie of Lindenwood (Mo.) by over two seconds in a time of 10:17.02. The freshman from Challis took the lead midway through the race and had the convincing win. She will be in a field of 12 competing for the title.
The men's 1,000 final is set for 11:55 a.m. (MST) and the women's 3,000 final is set for 12:05 p.m. (MST) - with live results available on the NAIA website at http://www.cfpitiming.com/results/index.htm.