Fitzke Breaks 33-Year-Old School Record in the Mile at Washington Final Qualifier

SEATTLE, Wash. - North Dakota State senior Travis Fitzke broke a 33-year-old school record in the mile at the University of Washington Final Qualifier on Saturday, March 3. Fitzke clocked in at 4 minutes 3.35 seconds to break Mike Bollman's record of 4:04.30 set in 1978. Fitzke's sixth place time was a personal best by just under three seconds.

"NDSU's had a long tradition of great track and field athletes and Travis has had some excellent races this year," said head coach Don Larson. "He's coming off a great conference meet and this lifetime best time is a testament to his hard work and dedication."

Fitzke also set the school record in the 3,000 meters earlier this season.

Tyler Leverington also competed in the mile, finishing ninth in a personal best time of 4:08.59. He dropped over two seconds from his previous best. His time ranks fourth all-time at NDSU.

Matt Tetzlaff won the 60 meter hurdles in 8.13 seconds and Casey Orgon took second in the weight throw with a mark of 57 feet 3 inches.