Beckmann is 7th after First Four Events in Heptathlon at UW Indoor Invitational

Keaton Beckmann (Jr., Salem, OR/Sprague HS)
Keaton Beckmann (Jr., Salem, OR/Sprague HS)

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Keaton Beckmann (Jr., Salem, OR/Sprague HS) of Willamette University is in seventh place after the first day of the heptathlon at the UW Indoor Invitational on Friday, Jan. 11. The heptathlon will conclude on Saturday, Feb. 1. The meet is being held at the Dempsey Indoor facility on the University of Washington campus.

Beckmann earned 2,767 points during the first four events of the heptathlon, as he competed in the 60-meter dash, long jump, shot put and high jump. At the end of the day, he was just 18 points out of sixth place, 68 points out of fifth, and 87 points out of fourth.

Donte Robinson, competing unattached, led the heptathlon with 3,130 points, including first place in the long jump at 22' 9" and a tie for first place in the high jump at 6' 7". He placed third in the 60-meter dash and the shot put.

Hakim McMorris from the University of California, was second overall with 3,002 points, including first place finishes in the 60-meter dash in 7.00 seconds and the shot put at 45' 9.25". Seren Dances of Western Washington University was third with 2,929 points. A total of 15 student-athletes competed in the heptathlon on Friday, with 13 registering points in all four events.

Beckmann won his heat in the 60-meter dash in 7.10 seconds and was fourth in the event. In the long jump, he placed fifth with a top distance of 21' 9.50". He set a personal record in the shot put at 38' 5.50". His previous best was 36' 11.5" last season. Beckmann just missed another personal record in the high jump by clearing 5' 9'75". His career-best of 5'10" was set at the 2019 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

UPDATE:  On Saturday, Beckmann did not compete in the final three events of the heptathlon. Willamette's next competition will be indoors at the Boise State Challenge on Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 in Nampa, Idaho.