Deer breaks own school record at Bearcat Classic; Tanquary wins 600-yard dash

Sidney grad Mitch Deer broke his own UNK school record in the 400 meters at the Bearcat Classic, placing second and hitting a D-II provisional mark Saturday.

February 8, 2026Updated: February 8, 2026
By Hunter Arterburn

Courtesy Photo


MARYVILLE, Mo. — University of Nebraska–Kearney senior Mitchell Deer continued his standout indoor season Saturday, breaking his own school record in the 400 meters at the Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Classic.

The Sidney High School graduate finished second in the men’s 400-meter invitational in 47.59 seconds, eclipsing the UNK record he set earlier this season. Deer’s time also met the NCAA Division II provisional standard.

Southwest Baptist’s Marcus Jones won the race in 47.48, while Troy McLean of Allen Community College placed third in 47.88.

Deer also played a key role on Nebraska–Kearney’s men’s 4x400-meter relay team, which finished third in a provisional-qualifying time of 3:15.72. The relay included Deer, Andrew Rentschler, Evan Shaffer and Kaleb Pulliam. Northwest Missouri State won the event in 3:12.95.

Another Sidney native also reached the top of the podium in Maryville. Freshman Talissa Tanquary won the women’s 600-yard dash, crossing the line in 1:27.66 to lead a strong showing for the Lopers. Tanquary later competed as part of UNK’s women’s 4x400-meter relay, which placed sixth in 4:00.79.