DeMers claims third in heptahlon

BOISE — Former Bulldog track and field standout Eric DeMers had a career day, finishing third in the heptathlon and helping Boise State win their third consecutive WAC title at the indoor championships.

DeMers posted career-bests in five of the seven events comprising the heptathlon, an event which challenges nearly every discipline in track and field.

According to Dave DeMers, Sandpoint High School track coach and Eric's father, his son put the shot 39 feet, long jumped 22-4, pole vaulted 13-10, high jumped 6-1, ran the 1,000 meters in 2:59, ran the 60-meter hurdles in just over eight seconds, and took first in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.20.

"It was amazing from the point that he didn't do all of these events in high school," said Dave, himself a former quarterback for the Broncos. "He's competing, and he loves to compete."

Eric, a sophomore, scored 4,907 points overall, securing key points for the Broncos, who won by a scant two points in the overall team scoring. It's the third WAC championship the Broncos have won in Eric's one and a half years there.

Most of the DeMers family made the trip down to the Jackson Center in Nampa, BSU's facility for hosting the meet. Dave says his son should also make the first team All-WAC academic team.