ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gustavus track & field competed at the Macalester Vanessa Seljeskog Classic on Satuday, and set a few records in the process.
“It it so great to see athletes have indoor personal bests this early in the season,” said Head Coach Aaron Lund. “We are training hard and aiming to peak later at the championship meet. A new lifetime best in January is a great indication of some even better performances ahead.”
Birgen Nelson (Sr., Edina) beat her own 2022 meet record of 8.88 in the 60-hurdles, crossing the line in 8.74 in the preliminaries. Danielle Miller (Jr., Waconia) finished second in the 60-hurdles finals with a time of 9.67. The 4×200 relay team of Miller, Nelson, Ally Rakow (Jr., Bloomington) and Megan Geraets (So., Mankato) set a new meet record and placed first with a time of 1:46.97, while Evelyn Villalobos (Jr., Crystal) beat the existing meet record and placed second in the women’s 3000-meter.
Wyatt Quiring (Sr., Fairmont) had an impressive performance, winning the men’s 400-meter with a time of 50.57 to beat the existing meet record set in 2021. Tyler Smith (So., Norwood Young America) tacked on another meet record for the Gusties, finishing the mile in 4:25.94 for fifth overall.
The Gusties excelled in the field events, winning the women’s shot put, long jump, and triple jump, and the men’s weight throw and high jump.
For the women, Annika Poe (Sr., Big Lake) won the shot put with a distance of 14.05 meters. Poe’s mark is ranks third best in NCAA Division III so far. Poe’s toss also set a new meet record, breaking her own 2022 distance of 13.49. Madi Kes (Jr., Jordan) broke not only her 2022 standing meet record of 11.19 on the triple jump, but, with a distance of 11.70 meters, Kes set a new school record. Kes’ jump was good for first overall in the triple jump and is the fifth best distance in NCAA Division III this season.
Five athletes scored for the women’s long jump, with Megan Geraets winning the event and setting a new meet record with a jump of 5.35 meters. Lauren Dimler (Fy.) placed third (5.05 meters) and Madi Kes placed fourth (5.02). First-year Sarrah Linder added a mark of 4.90 for sixth and Maren Sundberg (Fy., Eagan) rounded out the Gustie high jumpers with a jump of 4.81 meters in the finals.
“I’m really pleased with the long and triplers today,” said Assistant Coach Billy Visto. “With three in the finals for triple jump and Madi’s school record, there’s a lot to be proud of. Megan and our five ladies in long jump also had a huge performance. It’s fun to watch them all push each other and have fun doing it. I’m excited to see what they can accomplish throughout the season.”
On the men’s side, Cole Matetich (So.) and Danny Bies (So., New Hope) both cleared 6-2.75 in the high jump to share the win in the event. Meanwhile, Joshua Beiswanger (Sr., Mankato) won the men’s weight throw with a distance of 15.84 meters.
“This was a very challenging meet this year with so many new facility and meet records established in all event areas,” said Lund. “It was a great early season test and I look forward to seeing what our team can do next weekend at St. Olaf.”
Gustavus competes at the St. Olaf Quadrangular next weekend.