BISMARCK – VCSU freshman Karina Olson set a new school record in the 100 hurdles, and Jaiden Peraza hit the national qualifying "A" standard in high jump as Viking track and field athletes competed at the U-Mary Classic on Thursday.
 
Olson ran the 100 hurdles in 14.67 seconds Thursday, narrowly breaking the previous school record of 14.68 set by Taylor Sargent last season. Olson's record time was good for third place at the meet on Thursday and puts her just .07 seconds away from the national qualifying standard of 14.60 seconds. She currently ranks 2^nd in the conference.
 
Peraza cleared 2.05 meters in the men's high jump Thursday, placing 2^nd at the meet and hitting the NAIA "A" standard to qualify for nationals. Peraza had previously met the provisional qualifying "B" standard of 2.02 meters. His leap of 2.05 meters currently ranks him 11^th in the NAIA.
 
A total of 13 Viking athletes competed at the meet on Thursday. VCSU added the meet to its schedule late after this weekend's scheduled meet in Moorhead was canceled due to rain.
 
Complete Results: https://tfrrs.org/results/86369/U-Mary_Classic
 
Other Top 8 finishes on Thursday came from Jasmine Barnes (5000 meters, 5^th), Olivia Backus (high jump, 7^th), Mason Brehmer (800 meters, 7^th), Rigo Garcia (5000 meters, 8^th) and Cody Frounfelter (hammer throw, 8^th).
 
Up next: VCSU Track & Field is scheduled to compete May 3 at the NDSU Tune-Up Meet in Fargo.