University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Drake Relays
Gooris Wins Back-To-Back Decathlon Titles At Drake Relays
4/25/2013 1:00:00 AM | Track and Field
DES MOINES, Iowa – Senior Daniel Gooris became just the second decathlete in Drake Relays history to win back-to-back decathlon titles after Gooris finished with 7,395 total points today. Gooris was just 17 points behind the leader with one event to go, scoring a new personal-best time of 4:28.06 in the 1,500 meters to clinch the win.
Seven of the past 10 Drake Relays decathlon crowns have now gone to athletes with UNI ties. Former UNI head coach and student-athlete Travis Geopfert won the title in 2004 and 2006, former Panther All-American Raven Cepeda won the event in 2007, and former All-American Mat Clark owns the 2009 and 2011 titles.
Along with his win in the 1,500 meters, Gooris also won the pole vault and place second in the discus throw. The senior threw for a strong distance of 135-02 in the discus competition and finished with a solid height of 16-08.85 in the pole vault. In the javelin, Gooris placed fourth with a throw of 171-01 to put himself in striking range of the title.
Paige Knodle finished the second day of the heptathlon, moving up four spots from yesterday to place third overall in a competitive field featuring two Olympians. Knodle bested her finish from last season's Drake Relays where she finished fifth as a freshman.
Knodle opened the day with an impressive performance in the long jump, placing third with a jump of 17-11.00. In the javelin throw, the sophomore threw for a distance of 141-11.00 and picked up another third place finish. To round out the day, Knodle scored a big personal record in the 800 and won the event with a time of 2:12.44. Knodle finished with 5,312 total points for her best finish in the heptathlon this season.
Freshman Brandon Mortensen finished in ninth place in the decathlon, earning 6,558 points for a new personal record in the event. Mortensen opened the second day of competition, notching fourth place in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 15.24.
Ben Lindaman finished with a new season-best time in the 110 meter hurdles, crossing the finish line with a time of 15.40. Lindaman opened the discus competition with another great performance, finishing with a personal-best throw of 123-00. Lindaman also put up another solid finish in the javelin, placing second with a throw of 186-07, finishing with 6,139 total points.
“I was really proud of the UNI multis today,” head coach Dan Steele said. “They all showed great character.”
The Panthers will return to action tomorrow for the third day of competition at the Drake Relays. The meet will kick-off at 9:45 a.m. for the Panthers when Sebastian Barth competes in the 110 meter high hurdle preliminary race.
Players Mentioned
