COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — After a long winter on the indoor track, the Gusties finally escaped the April snow of Minnesota, opening their outdoor season with a small group of athletes competing in a dual meet at Colorado College.
For the Gustie women on the track, Birgen Nelson (Sr., Edina) started the day taking first in the 100-hurdles, crossing the line in 14.07. Nelson was followed by three more Gusties, as Danielle Miller (Jr., Waconia) took second in 15.66, Lauren Dimler (Fy., Janesville) in third at 16.03, and Makenna Huetten (So., Eagan) not far behind Dimler at 16.06.
Nelson picked up another win in the 100-meter, finishing first with a time of 12.19, followed by Kate Carlson (So., Inver Grove Heights) who took second in 12.53. Carlson was the Gusties’ highest finisher in the 200-meter, taking first in 25.99. The Gustie women also put together an impressive performance in the 4×100 relay, finishing in 48.92
On the men’s side, the Gusties went one and two in the 400-hurdles, with Sam Schulze (So.) finishing first in 1:01.95, followed by Grant Baker (Jr., South St. Paul) in second at 1:09.59.
In the field, Dimler and Sarrah Linder (Fy., Rochester) took the top two spots in the long jump, with Dimler making a mark of 5.04 meters and Linder at 5.01 meters. Linder also picked up the best mark in the triple jump with a distance of 10.54 meters.
“We had some unfortunate circumstances that made it very difficult to get here and perform well,” said Head Coach Aaron Lund. “But our team did very well today. I think it speaks to the caliber of our Gusties to persevere and succeed like they did today.
“We want to thank head coach Katie Brescher, Colorado College, and their team for their accommodations and for hosting us. It turned out to be a great meet and we even kicked off our season with a few lifetime best performances.”