Concordia, Neb. – Tabor College senior Jasmine Peggese has punched her ticket to the NAIA national indoor track and field meet after her performance at the Polardog Invitational, hosted by Concordia University in Seward, Neb.

Peggese, earned an "A" qualifying standard in the 20-pound weight throw with a heave of 52' 5 1/4". Her qualifying throw also set a new school record and currently stands as the 10th best throw in the NAIA as of Jan. 23. She is also a mere six inches away from being in the top six in the country.

In the same event Peggese also recorded a second throw that reached a distance 50' 11".

An "A" qualifying standard is a throw that reaches a distance of 49' 11 1/4" and comes with an automatic bid to the national meet.

"To qualify for nationals is always a great achievement but to do it in the first meet of the year is quite an accomplishment," said head track and field coach Dave Kroeker.  "Jasmine worked hard this fall to perfect some of the things in her turns and that really showed up at Concordia. Between now and nationals she is working to add another turn to her throw which should add speed and more distance. I take a lot of joy from seeing athletes like Jasmine really work hard and then get rewarded for their efforts."

Peggese will compete at the NAIA national indoor track and field meet March 1-3, at the Geneva Area Recreational, Educational and Athletic Trust Sports Complex Geneva, Ohio.