PELLA, Iowa — A last-minute addition to the one-mile run lineup card, William Woods University women's track and field's Hailey Gerard made the most of it, running a personal record 5 minutes and 32.22 seconds to win the race by 4.14 seconds in the Dutch Holiday Preview, hosted by NCAA Division III Central College Friday at H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse.

On top of taking first and breaking her one-mile run personal record by 4.42 seconds, Gerard was the final women's event winner in Dan Schwab's six illustrious years as the Owls' track and field and cross country coach.

"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!"

In three different types of events, WWU recorded second-place finishes: Sarah Kirby in the 3,000-meter run at 11:30.14, De'Prisha Chatman in the triple jump at 10.25 meters (33 feet and 7½ inches) and the Owls' 4x400 relay team of Emma Clifford, Christian Steuck, Rylie Bales and Emma Fischer at 4:46.65.  

Outside of Gerard, two Owls set PRs with top 10 finishes: Madison Dixon placed ninth in the 60 dash at 8.2 seconds - 0.02 seconds faster than her previous top time - and Chatman ninth in the long jump at 4.55m (14-11¼) — 0.12m ahead of her previous best of 4.43m (14-6½). 

After enjoying the holiday festivities and spending time with family over winter break, William Woods opens the 2025 side of its schedule in 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
9 - Madison Dixon 8.20 (PR, prev. 8.22)

60-Meter Dash Final
9 - Madison Dixon 8.20 (PR, prev. 8.22)

200-Meter Dash
7 - Madison Dixon 28.17

300-Meter Dash
7 - Rylie Bales 48.07
9 - Emma Fischer 49.22 (First Collegiate Meet)

600-Meter Run
6 - Emma Clifford 1:53.47
8 - Christian Steuck 1:57.71 (First Time Competing in the Event)

One-Mile Run
1 - Hailey Gerard 5:32.22 (PR, prev. 5:40.1)

3,000-Meter Run
2 - Sarah Kirby 11:30.14 (First Time Running in the Event)

High Jump
11 - Emma Clifford 1.31m (4-3.5)

Long Jump
9 De'Prisha Chatman 4.55m (14-11.25) (PR, prev. 4.43m [14-6.5])

Shot Put
11 - Allison Kenneavy 10.46m (34-4)

Triple Jump
2 - De'Prisha Chatman 10.25m (33-7.5)

Weight Throw
13 - Allison Kenneavy 12.3m (40-4.25)

4x400 Relay
2 - Emma Clifford, Christian Steuck, Rylie Bales and Emma Fischer 4:46.65 (First Time Racing Together)