Bildheiser, Rasco, and Ek qualify for Nationals at VMI Winter Classic
Photos courtesy of Luke Mc Lister
Tommy Bildheiser and Ryan Rasco both qualified for NJCAA Nationals in the 1000 meters. Bildheiser taking 4th place with a time of 2:31.20 and Rasco taking 6th with a time of 2:31.59. Bildheiser came back on day two and was able to also qualify for NJCAA Nationals in the 800 meters with a time of 1:56.66. Day two was also a stand out day for Rasco. He competed in the 3000 meters and shattered his personal best with a time of 8:44.11. Head coach Mike Spinnler was enthusiastic about Rasco turning in the time, commenting "This is a massive lifetime best Ryan. And he is joining a very short list of Hawk greats (past and present) to run under 8:45.0 for the 3000 meter distance."
Another qualifier at the meet was Mikaila Ek, qualifying for NJCAA Nationals in the pole vault event. She cleared a qualifying height of 3.06 meters (10' 0.5"). Three other Hawks were able to bring in personal best times at the meet. Molly Brashears in the 1000 meters (3:37.85), Griffin Knipp in the 800 meters (2:26.47), and Mike Kelly in the 60 meter High Hurdle (8.70).
Looks like the Hawks will be heading back to Lexington, Va. this weekend (February 3-4) to participate in another two day meet at the VMI Winter Relay's at the VMI Corps Physical Training Facility