Heptathlon kicks off meet at Air Force

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – BYU men’s track and field began its first of three days at the Ralph Lindeman Invitational with four heptathlon events taking place Thursday.

The Cougars were represented by two-time All-American Dallin Vorkink and sophomore Ben Barton. Vorkink, currently third in the nation, placed first in the shot put (13.85m/45-5.25). The performance put him ahead of three fellow top-25 ranked heptathletes (each from Wichita State) – Hudson Bailey, Kolby Caster, and Wyatt Leutzinger.

Barton matched his personal-best in the 60m (6.99) en route to a second-place finish. The Birmingham, Michigan native racked up a top-three placement in the high jump, posting a clearance of 1.98m/6-6 to finish ahead of three top-25 athletes in the field of 12.

Thursday’s heptathlon events included the 60m, long jump, high jump and shot put.

At four events completed, Barton stands at fifth with 2,709 points and Vorkink at sixth with 2,664. The final three heptathlon competitions will resume Friday.