USTFCCCA recognizes Lewis-Clark State’s Clayton VanDyke as Indoor Athlete of the Year in the West Region | Sports

LEWISTON – After a dominant performance at the Polar Vortex Classic last weekend, Clayton VanDyke was named USTFCCCA West Region Athlete of the Year. A native of Utah, Vernal won all three events he competed in and qualified as third place in the 1,000-meter championship.

“We are very excited about Clayton and his recognition both personally and how it represents the college,” said head coach Mike Collins. “I find it amazing that he would receive this award even though we only had one indoor competition to come up with a résumé appropriate for this consideration. I’m proud of him and all of our children, and I’m sure he will represent his teammates and college well. “

VanDyke stood out at the only indoor meeting of the season, winning the 1,000 m, the mile and the 800 m, clocking a top 5 time in 1,000 m (2: 28.29) and is the third seed for the national teams next week. He also ran the twelfth fastest time in the NAIA on 800 m (1: 54.55) and was just outside the top 20 of the mile (4: 18.92).

“Just having one meeting to prove myself was a difficult situation,” said VanDyke. “I’m just glad I got out there and competed. It’s exciting to receive that recognition at such a high level. Many thanks to my trainers and the school who made this possible. “

VanDyke and the rest of the LC State qualifiers are traveling to Yankton, SD next week to compete in the NAIA National Indoor Athletics Championships. He will run in the 1,000 m preliminary round on March 4, the final is scheduled for March 6.