Four Warriors Earn All-GPAC Honors at Outdoor Track & Field Championships

HASTINGS, Neb. — The Waldorf University Warriors track and field program saw four standout athletes earn All-GPAC honors at the 2024 GPAC Outdoor Championships, showcasing a mix of record-breaking performances, personal bests, and school history-making efforts.

Eliza McKown led the charge on the women's side with a 2nd-place finish in the 800-meter run, clocking a blistering 2:14.79 to break the school record and secure a silver-medal spot on the podium. Her performance not only led the Warriors but marked one of the top individual finishes in program history.

On the men's side, Marquis Simpson delivered a breakout performance in the long jump, finishing 4th overall with a leap of 7.03 meters. The jump was a personal best for Simpson and now stands as the second-longest in school history, earning him All-Conference honors and capping off a standout showing.

Veteran distance runner Danielle Wood concluded her Waldorf career with a gutsy run in the 10,000 meters, finishing 7th overall in 42:08.28 — a personal best and the second-fastest time ever recorded by a Waldorf athlete in the event. The top-8 finish earned her All-Conference recognition and a fitting finale to a strong four-year career.

Rounding out the honors was freshman Marissa O'Connor, who placed 8th in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 13:11.87. The effort marked a personal best and landed her 7th all-time in school history.

The All-GPAC accolades underscore a championship weekend filled with heart, growth, and achievement for the Waldorf Warriors, as the team continues to build momentum heading into future seasons.