Five JC runners to compete today

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A 5-pack of productive Jamestown College distance runners will see where they stack up this weekend at the NAIA national indoor meet in Geneva, Ohio.

The group features local flavor, two former Blue Jays, an All-American and one real feel good story.

Junior Stephanie Erlandson qualified for last year’s indoor meet, but was stricken with a serious eye injury that eventually led to forcing her out of school and a 9-month sedentary period. It also required a cornea transplant.

The Breckenridge, Minn., native will complete the grueling comeback today when she runs the second leg of the Jimmies’ distance medley relay semifinals.

“It has been inspiring for me and her teammates to see how far she has come,” JC women’s track Jim Clark said of Erlandson. “Our 400 runners have been close, but there was no contest when I decided who I was going to choose for the 400 leg of this relay.

“Steph earned a spot in nationals as a freshman, but didn’t get to go. Hopefully this will pay her back in a small measure for all the work she has put it. I know she will give it 100 percent.”

Madey Hornung will run the first leg for the Jimmies. The senior from Jamestown, who has had a strong winter despite battling back and leg problems, also is qualified in the 800 semifinals, which also are Friday. It’s her fifth trip to nationals.

Aleona Reyes will run the anchor in the DMR. Reyes, already a 2-time All-American between track and cross country, also will run the 1000 where she has the fifth-best time despite running in the event just once. The sophomore from Belen, N.M., will compete in the semifinals Friday. The top eight in each race advance to the finals, all on Saturday.

Mallory Souder, a senior from Stephen, Minn., will run the third leg (800) in the DMR. She competed at outdoor nationals last spring.

Spencer Kamoni will carry the torch solo for the JC men. The former Blue Jay runner has won every race but one he’s competed in during the indoor campaign. He’ll compete in the 1000 semis on Friday. He owns the seventh-fastest time so far of 2:32.67. He’s only run the race three times previously, but has been fast all winter. Only the top six placers in each event earn All-American honors.

“You’re up against the best of the best now, but you look at the way Spencer has been running for us and I certainly think he has a shot,” JC men’s coach Ed Crawford said. “He’s worked really hard and it’s paid off for him. He’s been running at a very high level and hopefully that will translate over at nationals.”

Tags: sports, jimmies, track