Mead grad Andrew Gardner reaches finals at NCAA track and field championships

EUGENE – University of Washington senior and Mead product Andrew Gardner is in position to end his collegiate track and field career on a podium.

Gardner punched his ticket to the finals in the men’s steeplechase at the NCAA Division I men’s track and field championships Wednesday at historic Hayward Field, placing ninth (8:41.48).

Gardner, one of four local men who competed at the meet Wednesday, advanced to Friday’s final.

Washington State junior and Asotin native Chandler Teigen failed to qualify for the 1500-meter men’s finals. Teigen (33:56.59) finished 24th overall.

In the men’s field events, WSU junior Brock Eager placed 14th in the hammer throw (223 feet) and his teammate, pole vaulter Sander Molday, finished 17th (16-10 3/4).

The NCAA Division I women’s track and field championships begin today at the same venue.

Gonzaga 3B Yake

earns more accolades

Gonzaga third baseman Ernie Yake was named to Collegiate Baseball Newspapers’ 2018 Freshman All-American team.

The Bellingham native led Gonzaga with with a .322 batting average and a .378 on-base percentage. He stole five bases and drew 18 walks, and stuck out just 20 times in 236 at-bats.

Yake finished the season with 76 hits, 25 RBIs and 32 runs and shared the lead for the Bulldogs in doubles (15). Defensively, he committed only four errors and had a .971 fielding percentage.

Yake was named to both the All-WCC second team and WCC All-Freshman last month.