Kotz, Nelson Bring Home NSAA Track Championships

A punishing wind and cool temperatures tested every athlete's resolve during Day Two of the 2022 NSAA outdoor track and field championships hosted by Valley City State. Despite the conditions, Bruin athletes brought home two conference titles.

 

Collin Kotz became the first men's NSAA champion in the history of BU's distance running program with his victory in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase. Early in the race, he tucked behind a pair of Dakota State runners as they battled the wind, waiting until 1,000 meters remained to move to the front and pull away for the win.

 

Head Coach Craig Christians commented on Kotz' win. "Collin has really struggled with breathing issues of late and in his case, I think the slowed pace due to the wind helped him adjust and use his strength to get the win. I was happy for him to have a complete effort and get us our first conference championship. That's a big step for our program." Kotz ran 10:23.93, his second-best time of the season. 

 

Conversely, Madison Nelson's added her second win of the meet and the fourth in the 2021-22 year (won cross country and an indoor title) in the women's 5,000-meter run. She followed the lead of Dakota State's Jacia Christensen, patiently waiting until 600 meters remained, and then moved to the front and was never challenged. Her time of 19:09.01 was outstanding for the conditions.

 

Christians commented, "Madison makes it look so easy though I know how hard she's working. She has established herself as the top distance runner in the conference and like Collin, has helped move the program forward. She and Jacia (Dakota State's Christensen) have had some great races. They bring out the best in each other and we're both going to miss her next year since she is graduating."

 

Other Bruins scoring on the day for the women were Olivia Russo and Caroline Feig. Russo ran her 3,000-meter steeplechase debut under the challenging conditions and produced a fine fourth-place finish and a school-record 13:44.22. Feig earned a team point with her eighth-place finish in the 800 meters, running 2:39.20. The Bruins collected 31 team points to place sixth among the seven scoring teams. 

 

For the men, Edrei Murillo ran to a fourth-place finish in the 1500-meter run with a 4:29.68 clocking to complete the scoring for the day. The Bruins finished 7th in the final team standings with 15 points. 

 

Christians: "The wind was nothing short of ridiculous but every one of our athletes stepped up when it was time to compete. I was very proud of the way they competed today and effort like that doesn't go unnoticed by our conference teams. We continue to move the program in the right direction." 

 

The NSAA meet concludes the season for all but one of the Bruins. Madison Nelson will travel to Gulf Shores, Ala., and run the half marathon championship on May 27. The race is part of the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.