Kieran Ripken-
The Gustavus Track & Field team concluded its season on Saturday, May 11th at the MIAC Outdoor Championships, which was hosted by Hamline’s Klas Center. The Women placed second with 153.83 points behind Bethel’s 160; while the Men took seventh overall.
On the Women’s side, Juniors Megan Geraets and Kate Carlson continued their domination of the MIAC with exemplary performances and etched their names into NCAA and Gustavus history. In the 200, Geraets and Carlson placed 1-2 at 23.97 and 24.01, respectively, and demolished the old MIAC record of 24.41. The pair ranked 1-2 in Division III and recorded the 17th and 22nd best times, respectively, in Division III history.
“We both have been working hard all season together to get better, to get faster, and having a teammate to race with is just so fun! I’m excited to see what we can do at Nationals and look forward to another hug and celebration with Kate at the finish line,” Geraets said.
“Being ranked 1 and 2 with Megan is the coolest feeling ever. It hasn’t fully set in yet because I’m still stunned, but it’s awesome to see all of our hard work pay off,” Carlson said.
Carlson won the 100 in 11.85, which ranked 7th in Division III. Geraets won the 400 in 55.88, securing a new school and MIAC record; the time ranked 15th in Division III.
Seniors Danielle Miller and Ally Rakow joined Geraets and Carlson in the 4×100, winning in a season-best time of 47.95.
“I believe that this event, being the start of the second day and coming out with a win, is great to be able to set the tone for the team and get everyone excited for the day,” Miller said.
Senior Madi Kes notched a victory in the triple jump on her final attempt with a distance of 11.56m; Junior Lili Guy took third at 10.95. Geraets and Kes placed third and fifth, respectively, in the long jump.
“The best moments for me came from doing long and triple jumps both days with my teammates. Our team was fortunate enough to have a large number of us qualify in both of these events and so we were all able to push each other and feed off of each other’s energy to make it as enjoyable as possible,” Kes said.
The Gustie Women put on a dominant display in the throws as well with First-year Olivia Duncan and Junior Kelley Brennan securing a 1-2 finish in discus to secure All-Conference honors. Duncan and Brennan rank 23rd and 31st in Division III, respectively. Brennan also came in second in the hammer throw and third in the shot put with a distance of 40-10.25.
When the meet concluded, Geraets emerged as the highest point scorer at the meet and Carlson placed third amongst track athletes in scoring.
Shifting to the Men’s side, Junior Tyler Smith secured All-Conference honors with a second-place finish in the 800 with a time of 1:54.88.
“It was a true championship-style race and was very tactical and physical. I put myself in a good position to make a move when the time was right, and was able to break away from the pack and only lose to one other runner,” Smith said.
The 4×100 team of Senior Isaiah Subah, First-year Jade Anstine, Junior Nathan Le, and Senior Matthew Skelly earned All-Conference distinction in 42.29 for third place.
“To finish All-Conference against very competitive opponents was something special. Along with that, placing higher than we were seeded going into the meet was an added bonus and showed what we are capable of under pressure,” Subah said.
First-year Nick Brauer earned All-Conference honors in the 1500 with a time of 3:53.40 for third place. Anstine placed fourth in the 100 in 10.85 and fifth in the 200 in a personal-best 21.48.
“I think our support for each other is key to the success our team has. Everyone cheers for each other no matter what event is happening,” Brauer said.
Junior Sam Schulze recorded a sixth-place finish in the 400-hurdles in 55.76, Senior Danny Bies got seventh in the high jump at 1.91m, and Junior Logan Marzinske placed eighth in the pole vault with a height of 4m.
“The support the team has for one another is unmatched. It was amazing to see the team really come together over the course of the year, and especially at the conference meet. The support from the team across multiple events was truly something special,” Anstine said.
“Our team’s reputation for being the loudest in the MIAC isn’t just about making noise; it’s about making an environment of positive energy and unwavering support. Even if the results don’t fully reflect it, our team’s ability to uplift and inspire one another is a testament to our strength as one unit,” Subah said.
NCAA Championship individual selections will be announced today, Friday, May 17th. The Championships will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina next week; competition will begin on Thursday, May 23rd and run through Saturday, May 25th.