Argus Leader - Sports

Argus Leader - Sports: "USD's Gearman leaping to new heights
MICK GARRY
mgarry@argusleader.com
published: 03/3/05
VERMILLION - Derek Gearman's ability to multi-task is showing up in a big way for the North Central Conference men's champion track and field team.

The Lennox sophomore won the long jump, the triple jump and took second in the high jump last weekend at the DakotaDome for the Coyotes, who accumulated the second-most team points (245) in NCC meet history.

'The conference meet seems to bring the best out of people,' said Gearman, who is also a receiver on the Coyote football team. 'With it being at the dome we were able to compete in front of a lot of people who support the team. I really makes you want to go out there and do your best.'

On what was a wildly successful weekend for the Coyotes - the USD women's team also won the conference title - Gearman's effort typified USD's ability to make the most of the two-day meet. USD is now sending 15 men's and women's athletes to the national meet. Of the 15, 12 are native South Dakotans - like Gearman.

'Obviously, we are proud of all our athletes here, whether they're from the state or out-of-state,' USD coach Dave Gottsleben said. 'But I think our success with area kids really shows that track athletes in our state can get it done if they want to work at it.'

Gearman provided a vivid example of that on Saturday.

'You look at what Derek did - 48-2 in the triple jump, 23-4 in the long jump and 7 feet in the high jump - any one of those efforts would make you think he had a great meet,' Gottsleben said. 'When you put them all together, you have something really special.'

Gearman was a three-sport star in Lennox, winning the same three events"