The University of Minnesota Duluth track and field athletes faced a race against the clock and the elements on Saturday, delivering a series of high-caliber performances before weather forced an early conclusion to the Gene Glader Invitational in St. Paul, Minn.
Despite the truncated schedule, the Bulldog track and field teams opened up strong at the Gene Glader Invitational, securing multiple first-place finishes and posting marks that already place several athletes among the top ranks of NCAA Division II for the young season.
The meet served as a critical early-season benchmark, allowing the Bulldogs to test their speed and strength in a competitive environment. For many of the seniors, it was a statement of intent; for the freshmen, it was a rapid introduction to the pressures of collegiate competition.
The standout performance of the day came from senior Jackson Weston, who dominated the shot put. Weston’s throw of 16.36 meters was not only enough to secure a victory but also ranks as the 37th furthest throw in all of NCAA Division II so far this year, signaling that he is a primary contender for postseason honors.
Men’s Dominance in Sprints and Field
The men’s program showed particular strength in explosive events. In the long jump, senior Will Heydt claimed a second-place finish with a leap of 6.95 meters. That mark currently sits as the 82nd-best jump in the NCAA, providing the Bulldogs with a strong foundation in the field events as they move toward the heart of the outdoor season.
On the track, the 4×100-meter relay team displayed seamless chemistry and raw speed. The quartet of Cole Ohnstad, Billy Auvin, Brayden Brakke and Brady Johnson crossed the finish line first with a time of 41.47 seconds. This performance is currently the 75th fastest in the nation, highlighting the depth of the UMD sprinting corps.
Brakke proved he was a force in individual events as well, taking second place in the 100 meters with a clocking of 10.90 seconds. Meanwhile, the endurance side of the men’s roster saw a bright spot in freshman Isaac Dickenson, who navigated the 1,500-meter run to finish third with a time of 4:03.45, an impressive debut for a first-year athlete.
Women’s Squad Sets the Pace
The women’s team mirrored the men’s success, particularly in the hurdles and relay events. The women’s 4×100-meter relay—consisting of Brooklyn Silloway, Avary Fitzpatrick, Halle Theis, and Kate Fitzgerald—earned a second-place finish with a time of 48.18 seconds. This mark is currently ranked as the 83rd fastest NCAA time of the season.
Individual brilliance was on display in the hurdles. Lillian Wanzek took second place in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.48 seconds, which is the 52nd fastest time recorded this season. Freshman Emily Beaham also excelled in the hurdles, finishing second in the 400-meter event with a time of 1:03.27, ranking 80th nationally.
The middle-distance and field events provided further accolades for the women’s program. Ellie Hanowski secured third place in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:16.33. Senior Madeline Verkerke, continuing the momentum from her indoor season, posted a time of 4:38.05 in the 1,500-meter run, the 75th fastest NCAA time this season.
Field Event Highlights
Junior Graycee Roubinek emerged as a versatile threat in the field. Roubinek captured first place in the javelin with a throw of 38.05 meters and added a third-place finish in the discus throw with a mark of 39.71 meters.
Freshman Ilm’aime Ntambwe also made her presence felt, placing third in the triple jump with a leap of 11.07 meters, further cementing the freshman class’s immediate impact on the program’s success.
| Athlete/Event | Mark/Time | NCAA Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Weston (Shot Put) | 16.36m | 37th |
| Lillian Wanzek (100m Hurdles) | 14.48s | 52nd |
| Madeline Verkerke (1,500m) | 4:38.05 | 75th |
| Men’s 4x100m Relay | 41.47s | 75th |
| Emily Beaham (400m Hurdles) | 1:03.27 | 80th |
Looking Ahead: A Divided Front
The early success at the Gene Glader Invitational provides the Bulldogs with significant momentum, though the weather-induced early end to the meet leaves some athletes eager for more repetitions. The focus now shifts to a split-schedule strategy to maximize exposure and competition levels.
Next weekend, the UMD track and field contingent will divide their forces to compete in two different regions. One group will travel to Azusa, California, for the Bryan Clay Invitational, a meet known for attracting elite talent and offering fast conditions. Simultaneously, other athletes will compete in the Phil Esten Challenge in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
This strategic split allows the coaching staff to tailor the competition level to the specific needs of each athlete—some requiring the high-pressure environment of a national-caliber invitational and others benefiting from the regional intensity of the Wisconsin circuit.
For official results and updated rankings, fans and athletes can follow the UMD Bulldogs athletics portal.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the teams will be the results of the Bryan Clay Invitational and the Phil Esten Challenge next weekend.
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