Dotson takes final runs at NAIA hardware


The new-look Joe Dotson (shorter hair) hopes to qualify for this summer's U.S. Olympic Trials in the decathlon.

Siuslaw graduate Joe Dotson, a redshirt senior at Southern Oregon, posted three personal indoor records Friday, the first day of heptathlon at the UW Invitational in Seattle.

The four-time NAIA All-American (3 outdoor, 1 indoor) ran the 60-meter dash 7.48 seconds, hurled the 16-pound shot put 36 feet, 4.25 inches and went 6-0 in the high jump.

Dotson also had a leap of 20-4 in the long jump, just short of his PR 20-7.25 set last indoor season.

Saturday, Dotson will complete the two-day event with the 60-meter hurdles, the pole vault and the 1,000-meter run.

Dotson has 2,553 points through four of the heptathlon's seven events and stands 12th among 15 competitors.

The 2015 Siuslaw graduate has set of goal of qualifying for this summer's decathlon Olympic Trials in Eugene.

Dotson's immediate goals are qualifying for the NAIA indoor championships March 5-7 in Brookings, S.D., and the NAIA outdoor championships May 20-22 in Gulf Shores, Ala.