Azusa Pacific's track and field team is making a strong final appearance in Division II with standout performances in the Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Mark Burdin, after a slow start in the decathlon, rebounded impressively and currently stands in fourth place with 3,896 points. Conversely, Emma Hein, competing in the heptathlon, is positioned 14th after securing her best event score in shot put. Tomorrow, both will continue their events along with Kristina Rakocevic in the women's discus and Hannah Richardson in the shot put. This championship marks Azusa Pacific's last competition as a Division II member.

By the Numbers
  • Mark Burdin: 3,896 points after day one, trailing the leader by less than 100 points.
  • Emma Hein: 700 points in shot put, ranking fourth among 16 athletes in her event.
Yes, But

While Burdin shows potential for a strong finish, he faces tough competition, including former teammate Esther Conde-Turpin, who is currently leading the heptathlon. The pressure to perform well in their last meet as Division II athletes adds another layer of complexity to their competitions.

State of Play
  • Burdin moves into day two in a competitive position after significant improvements in shot put and high jump.
  • Hein has room for improvement, with her shot put performance showing she can compete at a high level despite her current ranking.
What's Next

As the championship continues, Burdin and Hein will aim to improve their standings, while Rakocevic and Richardson will contribute crucial points in their respective events, potentially impacting the team's overall performance.

Bottom Line

Azusa Pacific's athletes are poised for a strong finish as they aim to leave a lasting legacy in Division II, with Burdin’s and Hein’s performances crucial to their final standings.