BISMARCK, N.D. – VCSU Track and Field has its first national qualifier of the 2023 season.

Viking freshman Jaiden Peraza earned his spot at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships with a big jump on Saturday, clearing 2.03 meters in high jump at the Mike Thorson Open.

Peraza's jump earned him first place in the event Saturday and also met the NAIA 'B' Standard to qualify for the national meet. He cleared the 2.03 meter mark (6 feet, 7 ¾ inches) on his first attempt at the height, clinching his spot to compete at the national meet March 2-4 in Brookings, S.D.

Pereza won Saturday's event by 7 inches, topping a field of 10 jumpers at the meet hosted by the University of Mary. It was part of a solid all-around showing for Viking athletes, who were competing at their first meet in more than a month.

Complete Results

"It was a fine day all around," said VCSU head coach Laquone Robinson. "We are off to a good start to the indoor season."

Clay Kummer placed second in the 60 meter hurdles, running 8.87 seconds against a field of nine competitors. He also placed fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 53.32 seconds. VCSU's men scored 23 points at the meet.

On the women's side, Valley City State totaled 34 points and placed fifth out of six teams. The top eight athletes in each event scored points. Misa Miyashiro took home an event championship in the women's 800 meters, edging teammates Emily Hatlewick and Morgan Haerer for the top spot with her time of 2:50.61.

Kendra Odegard threw a big PR in the shot put, taking sixth with her throw of 11.15 meters (36-7). That was more than a foot farther than her previous personal record. Jade Azure placed sixth in the women's weight throw with her top mark of 12.50 meters (41-0.25).

Taylor Sargent scored points in the both the 60 meter hurdles and the high jump, taking seventh place in both events.

Up next: Valley City State is scheduled to compete Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Cobber Open hosted by Concordia College-Moorhead.

Mike Thorson Open
VCSU Women Top 8 Finishers
800: 1. Misa Miyashiro, 2:50.61; 2. Emily Hatlewick, 2:51.56; 3. Morgan Haerer, 2:53.38
60 Hurdles: 7. Taylor Sargent, 9.66
High Jump: 7. Taylor Sargent, 1.45 meters
Shot Put: 6. Kendra Odegard, 11.15 meters
Weight Throw: 6. Jade Azure, 12.50 meters

VCSU Men Top 8 Finishers
400 Meters: 4. Clay Kummer, 53.32
60 Hurdles: 2. Clay Kummer, 8.87
High Jump: 1. Jaiden Peraza, 2.03 meters