Small-Town Athlete Ashton Massey Excels in NCAA Heptathlon

Ashton Massey just proved that small-town athletes can compete with anyone in the country.

The Augustana University sophomore from Olivet, South Dakota, scored a personal-best 4,737 points at the Drake Relays in late April, finishing sixth overall and first among all Division II athletes. That score put her on track to compete at the NCAA Division II national championships in May.

Massey's performance was even more impressive considering she competed against Division I athletes at Drake. She posted personal bests in the 200-meter run with a time of 25.77 seconds, good for third place in that individual event, and ran the 800 meters in 2:18.93.

The heptathlon tests athletes across seven different events: 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter run, long jump, javelin throw, and 800-meter run. It's one of track and field's most demanding competitions, requiring speed, strength, and endurance all in one package.

Earlier in April, Massey dominated the Sioux City Relays, winning the heptathlon with 4,592 points. She took first place in three individual events: the 800-meter run, shot put, and 100-meter hurdles.

The Menno High School graduate earned second-team All-American honors during the indoor season after finishing 14th in the pentathlon at her first-ever NCAA national meet. Now she ranks 35th on the Division II outdoor qualifying list, with the top 16 advancing to nationals in Emporia, Kansas.

Sunny's Take

Stories like Ashton's remind us that talent blooms everywhere, not just in big cities with fancy training facilities. Small-town kids with big dreams and dedicated coaches can reach the national stage through hard work and determination.

Massey represents countless young athletes across rural America who wake up early for practice, balance schoolwork with training, and push themselves to be their best. Her success shows other small-town athletes that their zip code doesn't determine their potential.

As she prepares for the NSIC outdoor championships in Duluth and potentially the NCAA nationals later in May, Massey is proving that Olivet, South Dakota, can produce champions too.