UNK Track: Studley & Brachle Finish 1-2 in the High Jump

 Junior Nolan Studley and freshman Luke Brachle placed first and second in the high jump and senior Lily Novacek earned another All-American honor Friday at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in Emporia, Kan.

This was day two of the three-day meet hosted by Emporia State. Rain fell in the morning but cleared up by the time Studley (Hastings H.S.), Brachle (Kearney H.S.) and Novacek (Kearney H.S.) competed.

In the high jump, Studley (7-3) came in as the nation's leader with Brachle (7-1.75) fifth. They both reached 7-2.25 as did sophomore Xavier Santiago of Saginaw Valley (Mich.) State. Studley reached that height on his first attempt, Brachle on his second and Santiago on his third try. All three bowed out at 7-3.25.

Now a four-time All-American, Studley becomes the sixth Loper in the D2 era (since 1990) to win a national title and the first to do it in the field since 2010. He was dominate today as he reached five heights (6-8.75, 6-10.75, 6-11.75, 7-1 and 7-2.25) on try one. Brachle, already a two-time AA, had a career-best height today. He got past both the 6-10.75 and 7-1 bars on his final jump with he and Studley both passing the opening height of 6-6.75. Also in this event, David City freshman Garett Novacek tied for 17th (6-6.75).  

Novacek qualified for the discus at the Loper Twilight (162-0) back on May 9. Today she had top heave of 153-9 to come in 14th place. Her first two throws went 149-6 and 149-6; Yosiris Cordoba of Texas A&M-Kingsville won the national title (174-4). Novacek finishes her career as a two-time national champion, five-time All-American and six-time national qualifier.

Finally, both Sidney senior Mitchell Deer (400-hurdles) and Lincoln sophomore Carter Hohlen (steeplechase) earned All-Americans honors on Friday night. This year, AA status includes places 1-16 after being 1-12 for several years. This is Deer's second All-American accolade as he was a member of the 2024 DMR team (8th place).

Seniors Rylan Basart (javelin) and Clayton Kelly (triple jump) and sophomore Kassidy Stuckey (1,500-meter finals) compete on Saturday.