PELLA, Iowa — Led by Oshawi Burgher's first-place finish with a personal record time of 1 minute and 25.51 seconds, William Woods University men's track and field tallied three top-four finishes in the 600-meter run in the Dutch Holiday Preview, hosted by NCAA Division III Central College Friday at H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. Joining Burgher in the 600 run top four for the Owls were Blaine Brodersen in second place at 1:25.69 and Tanner Gillaspy in fourth at 1:31.57.

William Woods' 600 run showing wasn't the only memorable part of Friday, with it being Dan Schwab's final meet, ending his successful six-year tenure as Owls track and field/cross country coach. Schwab didn't just assist with his competitors; he competed, placing seventh in the one-mile run at 5:45.94.

"Great smaller meet for our athletes to get one more rep in before the holiday break," Schwab said. "Some solid performances all around. I'm thankful for the time spent at WWU (11+ years in all). Special thanks to ADs (York, Vittone, Wilson), coaches (Forsha, Radkowiec, Bontz), the countless GAs and amazing student-athletes who choose WWU…You have all made an impact on my life. Excited for the future in reuniting with my girlfriend and pup (Devon & Carol) in Virginia, and I know the program is in great hands with Coach Stockton. Go Owls!"

Schwab anchored the four WWU runners in the one-mile race, with Kyle Hagemeyer leading by taking second at 4:43.81. Chais Paul also had a top-five finish for the Owls, finishing with a PR of 5:16.83, 20.18 seconds better than his previous best.

Rounding out The Woods' top-three displays were Jacob Polacek taking third in the 200 run at 23.82 seconds and the Owls' 4x400 relay team of Angel Lottie, Burgher, Brodersen and Gillaspy placing third at 4:13.23.

William Woods' student-athletes and coaching staff get to enjoy time with family over winter break before focusing on its next meet, the Coach Richard Alsup Open, hosted by NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State University on Jan. 18 at Hughes Fieldhouse in Maryville.

Results

60-Meter Dash Prelims
8 - Demario Wright 7.22 seconds 
15 - Jacob Polacek 7.41 seconds

60-Meter Dash Final
8 - Demario Wright 7.19 seconds (PR, prev. 7.35 seconds)
15 - Jacob Polacek 7.41 seconds

200-Meter Dash
3 - Jacob Polacek 23.82 seconds 
9 - Noah Phillips 24.77 seconds

300-Meter Dash
9 - Angel Lottie 38.03 seconds

600-Meter Run
1 - Oshawi Burgher 1:25.51 (PR, prev. 1:27.44 *For NCAA Division II McKendree University)
2 - Blaine Brodersen 1:25.69 (First Time Running in the Event)
4 - Tanner Gillaspy 1:31.57

One-Mile Run
2 - Kyle Hagemeyer 4:43.81
5 - Chais Paul 5:16.83 (PR, prev. 5:37.01)
6 - Freddy Zheng 5:23.32
7 - Dan Schwab 5:45.94 (Owls coach ran in the race!)

High Jump
11 - Blaine Brodersen 1.76m (5-9.25)
13 - Jacob Polacek 1.76m (5-9.25) (PR, prev. 1.75m [5-8.75])

4x400 Relay
3 - Angel Lottie, Oshawi Burgher, Blaine Brodersen and Tanner Gillaspy 4:13.23 (First Relay Together)