SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s track & field team hosted the Lee Krough Invitational on Saturday for its first home outdoor meet since 2019. The meet included Crown, Martin Luther, St. Scholastica, Saint Mary’s, and Concordia-St. Paul in a non-scored event.
“It was so great hosting my first meet as a member of the Gustavus track and field family,” Head Coach Aaron Lund said. “We have the best officials, coaching staff, grounds crew, timing company, event staff, and team to put on a first class experience. It was really special to be able to give our team this moment and they definitely had a lot of fun today!”
Birgen Nelson (So., Edina) had a strong showing, winning three events. Nelson crossed the line first in the 200-meter in 25.60, the 100-hurdles in 14.35, and the 4×100 relay with Paige Patterson (Sr., Red Wing), Madi Kes (Fy., Jordan), and Olivia Thomley (So., Cannon Falls) in 50.51.
Lily Engebretson (So., St. Paul) won the 800-meter in 2:31.87. Elizabeth Donnelly (So., Langely, Wash.) placed first in the 1500-meter with a time of 4:53.84. Claire Schoenfield (Fy., Mundelein) crossed first in the 3000-meter at 11:42.75. Karley DeKnikker (Sr., Lake Preston, S.D.) won the 400-hurdles in 1:09.52. Kourtney Kulseth (Sr., New Richland) posted a time of 12:06.23 to win the 3000-meter steeplechase. The 4×400 relay team of Sara Moen (Sr., Blaine), Donnelly, Elizabeth Whitcomb (Sr., St. Paul), and Josie Blake (Jr., Waukegan, Ill.) won with a time of 4:17.26.
In the field events, Doris-Klein Mor (Jr., Saint Peter) won the pole vault with a clearance of 11-5.75. Kes cleared 38-7.5 to win the triple jump and break her own school record. Annika Poe (So., Big Lake) won the shot put with a distance of 43-4.5. In the discus, Alexys Guidry (So., White Bear Lake) took first with a throw of 124-1.
“The women’s 1500-meter crew put down some great performances today and it was fun to see,” Lund said. “Rachel and Luke established new personal bests in javelin, Doris and Ben had big-time personal bests in pole vault, and Taylor Rooney set a new stadium and meet record in the 110-hurdles. Altogether, it was fun to see our team give their best effort at a home competition, be supportive of teammates, and stay positive and focused throughout a difficult season.”
The Gusties will compete as a split squad next Saturday at Carleton and UW-La Crosse.