Hurdle ceremony, meet record highlight Dennis Young Indoor Classic
Alumni gather to connect, compete, and celebrate BVU track and field
Twenty-one Buena Vista University hurdles were dedicated in a ceremony at the center of the Dennis Young Indoor Classic at BVU on Jan. 25. Each hurdle was purchased by a BVU graduate, friend, or parent of a current or former student-athlete.
Dennis Young ’65, the BVU Sir John Marks Templeton Life Trustee whose name graces the track within the Lamberti Recreational Center, also joined his alma mater in dedicating a hurdle to Olympic bronze medalist and five-time world medalist Bershawn “Batman” Jackson, who worked with student-athletes and presented awards to winners throughout the day’s competition. Jackson also helped conduct a sprints clinic with Beaver student-athletes and high school track and field competitors the following day on the Dennis Young Indoor Track.
“It has been heartwarming to connect with Beavers past and present who have helped boost our program with the purchase of a new hurdle,” said BVU Track and Field Head Coach Jessi Juarez. “Your support means the world to this team, to me, and to BVU. We are thrilled to have so many of you back on campus celebrating with our student-athletes.”
Each hurdle sponsor was able to see the hurdle emblazoned with their name. They were also given the top board of a hurdle to carry home for display in their home or office. The fundraising effort continues, according to Juarez, who noted that several Beaver track and field alumni have signaled their intention to sponsor a hurdle for themselves or a loved one in time for the 2026 Dennis Young Indoor Classic at BVU. The cost is $250. For information on how to sponsor a hurdle, check this link.
“It has been heartwarming to connect with Beavers past and present who have helped boost our program with the purchase of a new hurdle.”
-BVU Track and Field Head Coach Jessi Juarez
“Coach Juarez worked tirelessly to connect with our alumni and friends in seeing this great project through,” commented BVU Director of Athletics Amy Maier. “Our new hurdles are not only a wonderful improvement and touchpoint for our program, but they represent physical reminders of the impact our alumni continue to have on the development and success of BVU Athletics.”
In addition to the hurdle ceremony, five BVU alumni participated in the meet, including Chris Rowedder ’08, Eric Bertelsen ’10, Lane Jellison ’22, Becca Simpson ’23, and Zack Huffman ’24.
Beaver freshman Claire Schroeder turned heads during the meet by setting a school record and meet record in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.93 seconds, bettering the former school standard set eight years ago by Madison Spear ’17. Spear was on hand to congratulate Schroeder.
Senior Courtney Johnson won the weight throw, while sophomore Payton Schermerhorn won the shot put.
Senior David Crow won the weight throw for the Beaver men’s team. Junior Abraham Christensen won the shot put. Senior Isaiah Thomas earned a title in the triple jump for the Beavers, while Devon Schultz claimed first place in the pole vault. A pair of men’s relays for the Beavers also earned titles, as BVU came home first in the 4X800-meter relay and the 4X200-meter relay.
The following is a list of the hurdle sponsors celebrated during the Denny Young Indoor Classic: the late Abby Olberding ’21, Mike Mahoney ’66, Coach Brett Carney, Dr. Jessica (Jensen) Carney ’03, Scott Hermann ’97, Dr. Whitney Nelson ’13, Assistant Coach (and Starter) Jim Nichols, Keith Kerkhoff ’77, Coach Keith Schmidt, Dennis Young ’65, BVU freshman Ava Mills, Dr. Andrew Smith ’13, Austin Groth ’16, Chris Rowedder ’08, Justin Bauer ’09, Justin Taylor ’08, Kyle Wessling ’17, Natalie Olorundami Hughes ’09, Shawn Olorundami ’09, Eric Bertelsen ’10, and Bershawn “Batman” Jackson.