Springfield, Mass.- March 8, 2010- The Springfield College men’s track and field team will have three of its student athletes compete in the upcoming NCAA Division III Men's Indoor Championships at DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind. on March 12-13, 2010. Defending national champion Steve Headley will look to defend his title in 55 meters, while both Nickel Hay and Kevin Coyle will compete on the national stage for the first time in their careers. Hay will run in the 400 and Coyle will compete in the long jump.Headley will be making his third trip to the Division III Championships, as he is accustomed to this national stage. Headley finished first in the 55 meter last year and fifth as a sophomore. Currently he holds the fastest time in the country, 6.28, and is undefeated in races the past two years.
Hay is making his first appearance in the Championships and currently holds the ninth fastest time in the 400 meter dash with a 49.19. Nickel’s will not be the only member of his family at the Championships, as he sister Nikki will also be competing in the championships on the women’s side.
Coyle is also making his first appearance on the national stage, and he currently hold down the spot for fifth longest jump in the country, 7.19 meters.
Ken Klatka, just inducted into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame in October, 2011, enters his 37th season as head coach of the men’s track and field program in 2012-2013. He ranks among the nation’s most successful coaches, with an overall record of 442 wins, 144 losses, and two ties for an impressive .753 winning percentage. Under his direction, Kevin Coyle '12 won the 2011 Division III Indoor Long Jump National Championship.
Read more.