7 Hoosiers go on to compete in NCAA nationals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – IU shined during the NCAA Mideast Regional competition, showing the Hoosiers are capable of competing on the big stage.

In particular, two athletes can now be called the best in IU track and field history.

Freshman Derek Drouin and junior Vera Neuenswander had record-breaking performances to win the high jump and pole vault, respectively.

Drouin cleared a personal best and IU record of 2.22 meters while Neuenswander’s clearance of 4.31 meters was an IU and Mideast Regional record.  

Drouin said he never expected that his first year at IU would be so successful.

“I thought my freshman year would be about getting my feet wet and getting used to competition.” Drouin said. “I never imagined I would be the Mideast Regional champion at the start of the year.”

Neuenswander nearly missed the 4.11 meter clearance before easily clearing the next two heights to win and set the record.

She said it took calming advice from a mentor to cool herself down.

“We had a windy day today and I have a tendency to tense up,” Neuenswander said. “On the third jump, coach Dave Volz came over and said to relax and not be anxious, so I listened and came through.”

As a team the women finished in 6th place with 34.5 points while the men completed the meet in 16th place with 16 points.

IU coach Ron Helmer said he was proud of the way the women’s team competed in the meet, and he credited his staff.

“Our girls have responded to the great expectations we have for them,” he said. “It is a testament to our coaches as we continue to build this team and work towards great achievements.”

Overall, seven Hoosiers qualified for the national championship. Qualifying for the finals along with Drouin and Neuenswander were junior Molly Beckwith in the 800-meter run, senior Tiffany Howard in the shot put, sophomore Sarah Pease in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, junior Ashley Rhoades in the high jump and senior Wendi Robinson in the 5,000-meter run.

Helmer said that, while he knows a team national championship is out of the question, the team has improved dramatically during his tenure at IU.

“We are not a powerhouse track team yet, but we are improving and are lightyears ahead of last year’s pace,” he said.