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The Olympic Trials Marathon to determine the USA team was held today, Feb 3, 2024, and SDSU had some connections. First, keep in mind that qualifying for the Olympic Trials is, by itself, a great accomplishment.
In the Women's race, the top 3 are going to Paris. Third place is Dakota Lindwurm, a St. Francis, MN native. Her connection with SDSU is her coach at Northern State University, Kevin Bjerke, a former SDSU standout distance runner (cross country and track 2001-2005, coached by Paul Danger and Rod DeHaven). Coach Bjerke was NSU's Cross Country and Track & Field coach when Lindwurm walked on to run for the Wolves. By the time her collegiate career concluded she was running in the NCAA DII national meet. Coach Bjerke can claim some credit in helping train Lindwurn.
In the men's trials, two of Coach DeHaven's athletes were in the race. Joel Reichow, a multiple All-America runner for SDSU, finished in 28th place, running 2:16:37. Joel was running quite well for most of the race but his pace slowed at about mile 20. Still, a great effort from a great runner who still has a lot of races in his future. (Joel's personal best in the Marathon is 2:10:37). Another former Jackrabbit runner under Coach DeHaven, was Ben Olson. Looking at the results, the last time recorded for Olson was at 18 miles. He was then listed as "Did not finish" so he must have dropped.
Searchable results are here: https://sports.yahoo.com/u-olympic-m...ycsrp_catchall
[Coach DeHaven won the 2000 USA Olympic Marathon Trials in a come-from-behind finish...and he represented the USA in the Marathon at the Sydney, Australia, Olympics.]
In the Women's race, the top 3 are going to Paris. Third place is Dakota Lindwurm, a St. Francis, MN native. Her connection with SDSU is her coach at Northern State University, Kevin Bjerke, a former SDSU standout distance runner (cross country and track 2001-2005, coached by Paul Danger and Rod DeHaven). Coach Bjerke was NSU's Cross Country and Track & Field coach when Lindwurm walked on to run for the Wolves. By the time her collegiate career concluded she was running in the NCAA DII national meet. Coach Bjerke can claim some credit in helping train Lindwurn.
In the men's trials, two of Coach DeHaven's athletes were in the race. Joel Reichow, a multiple All-America runner for SDSU, finished in 28th place, running 2:16:37. Joel was running quite well for most of the race but his pace slowed at about mile 20. Still, a great effort from a great runner who still has a lot of races in his future. (Joel's personal best in the Marathon is 2:10:37). Another former Jackrabbit runner under Coach DeHaven, was Ben Olson. Looking at the results, the last time recorded for Olson was at 18 miles. He was then listed as "Did not finish" so he must have dropped.
Searchable results are here: https://sports.yahoo.com/u-olympic-m...ycsrp_catchall
[Coach DeHaven won the 2000 USA Olympic Marathon Trials in a come-from-behind finish...and he represented the USA in the Marathon at the Sydney, Australia, Olympics.]