Men's Track and Field | 02.26.2021
NEW ORLEANS – After a dominant performance at the Polar Vortex Classic last weekend,
Clayton VanDyke was named the USTFCCCA West Region Track Athlete of the Year. The Vernal, Utah native won all three events he participated in and qualified for nationals in the 1,000m as the third seed in the event.
"We're excited for Clayton and his recognition both personally as well as how it represents the college," Head Coach
Mike Collins said. "I think it's amazing that he would receive this honor despite the fact that we only had one indoor competition in order to create a resume worthy enough for this consideration. I am proud of him and all our kids, and I'm sure he'll represent his teammates and the college well."
VanDyke excelled at the only indoor meet of the season and won the 1,000m, mile and 800m. He ran a top-five time in the 1,000m (2:28.29) and is the third seed in the event at nationals next week. He also ran the 12
th-fastest time in the NAIA in the 800m (1:54.55) and was just outside the top 20 in the mile (4:18.92).
"Only having one meet to try to prove myself was a difficult situation," VanDyke said. "I am just glad that I was able to get out there and compete. It's exciting to get that recognition at such a high level. Thank you to my coaches and the school for making that possible."
VanDyke and the rest of the LC State qualifiers head to Yankton, S.D. next week to compete at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships. He will run in the 1,000m prelims on March 4, with the final scheduled for March 6.
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