This Freshman Javelin Star Just Shocked Everyone—Find Out How He's Leading the GPAC!

YANKTON, S.D. — In an impressive display of talent, Kellan Odell, a freshman at Mount Marty University and a native of Mitchell, has quickly established himself as a contender in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) for the javelin throw. During the Wayne State College Wildcat Classic on March 27, Odell launched a throw measuring 60.5 meters (198 feet, 6 inches), securing the top spot in the GPAC. This remarkable feat not only leads the conference but also meets the NAIA B qualifying standard, positioning him for a potential appearance at the NAIA national meet later this season.

Odell's success in this event marks the beginning of his javelin career with the Lancers. He won the event by more than 25 feet, showcasing his competitive edge. Odell's initial throw of 58.16 meters set the stage for his final, record-setting effort on his sixth throw of the day. Currently, his performance ranks eighth nationally and third among NAIA freshmen, illustrating his promising potential.

Earlier this year, Odell also showcased his athletic versatility by competing in the heptathlon during the indoor season. He finished 10th in the GPAC championships, with highlights including a fourth-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles, fifth in the long jump, and eighth in pole vault. He also secured third place in individual long jump and triple jump events at various indoor meets, further demonstrating his breadth of skills.

As the Lancers prepare for their next competition at the Sioux City Relays on April 10-11, a recent meet at Concordia University in Nebraska was canceled, leaving athletes like Odell eager to showcase their talents once again.

Roth Leading the Charge for Dakota State

Meanwhile, in Madison, South Dakota, another standout athlete is making waves. Lindsey Roth, hailing from Parkston, is among the leaders for the Dakota State University women's track team, particularly in middle-distance events. She recently captured victory in the 800-meter race at the Steinborn/Beacom Twilight Meet on March 30, clocking in at 2:28.03. Additionally, Roth ranks seventh in the Frontier Conference for the 1,500-meter race, underscoring her competitive spirit.

This season has seen Roth participate in her final Frontier Conference indoor meet, where she achieved three all-conference finishes: fourth in the mile (5:18.92), sixth in the 800 (2:23.45), and contributed to a fourth-place finish in the 4x800-meter relay (9:36.11). Her personal best in the 3,000-meter race, a time of 10:58.21, earned her a 12th-place finish, reflecting her dedication and athletic prowess.

The Trojans will also compete in the Sioux City Relays on April 10-11, where Roth and her teammates hope to build on their successes.

In addition to these impressive performances, several other athletes are making strides this season. Brandy Pulse, a runner from the University of South Dakota and a native of Salem, currently ranks sixth in the Summit League Conference for the outdoor women's 400-meter hurdles with a season debut time of 1:05.13. Freshman Abe Gunnare from Mitchell is also among the Coyotes’ discus throwers, ranking sixth in the event with a top throw of 136 feet, 7 inches.

Meanwhile, Jaden Peters, a senior pole vaulter from Wagner at South Dakota State University, is ranked second on his team after a jump of 15 feet, 1 inch at the Steinborn/Beacom meet.

As the outdoor track and field season progresses, local athletes are poised to continue impressing both their schools and the broader athletic community. With upcoming competitions, fans and supporters will be eager to see how these promising talents perform on the national stage.