(cyclones.com)
LAWRENCE, KS – Iowa State got off to a strong start at the Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Friday, scoring in four of the six point-offering events. The day’s action was highlighted by Thomas Pollard’s silver medal in the men’s 10,000-meter run. On the women’s side, hammer thrower Ariana Kuhn brought home a bronze medal with a career-best effort.
With the three events scored for both the men and women, the Cyclone women are in fourth place in the team standings with 13 points. The ISU men currently sit in seventh with 12 team points.
The 10,000 had two tasks for Thomas Pollard Friday night. Along with the obvious of trying to win a Big 12 crown, there was also a focus on posting a time to qualify for NCAA West Prelims in a race known for being slow and strategic. Greyson Dolezal assured the latter, as he paced the first 3,200 to ensure it would be a quicker race. Around the halfway mark, a pair of Oklahoma State runners made a move to split up the lead group of eight, which Pollard was able to respond to.
The final mile came down to Pollard and Oklahoma State’s Hassan Abdi. The Cowboy was able to pull away late, making a big move with 1,200 to go to put himself alone. However, Pollard was able to finish strong and take the silver medal in 29:30.77, which puts him 33rd in the region at the time of publication.
10,000m Run (M): 1. Hassan Abdi, Oklahoma State – 29:21.39; 2. Thomas Pollard, Iowa State – 29:30.77; 10. Sam Clausnitzer, Iowa State – 30:41.45; Greyson Dolezal, Iowa State – DNF
