The Gustavus men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams took part in the Pre-MIAC Meet hosted by Macalester College in St. Paul on Friday. Both the Gustie men and women had strong showings at the conference meet precursor setting Macalester indoor and field house records, but the men had an exceptional performance from their top pole vaulter.
Josh Owens set the MIAC Indoor pole vault record, clearing a height of 16-4.75 feet. Owens’ height broke the previous record of 16-3.75 feet set by Matt Schroeder of St. Thomas in 2007.
In the 800-meter run, Eric Jorgenson took the podium with a time of 1:55.27, breaking the Macalester indoor and field house records. Matt Dvorak and Blair Riegel ran away in the sprint competitions, finishing one-two in the 60- and 200-meter dashes. Dvorak placed first in the 60 with a time of 6.97, while Riegel took second in 7.01. In the 200, it was Riegel edging Dvorak with a time of 22.34 as Dvorak took second in 22.93. Riegel’s 200-meter time set the Macalester indoor and field house records. Riegel had an excellent day in the field as well, setting Macalester field house records in the long jump (22-5.0 feet) and triple jump (46-3.25 feet).
Also setting a Macalester field house record was Mark Bartley in the 3000-meter run. Bartley won the event with a time of 8:55.20. Steve Groskreutz rounded out the men’s top finishes by claiming the 60-meter hurdles in a time of 8.64.
The Gustie women were highlighted by their performances in the field. Allyson Voss won the pole vault, clearing a height of 11-3.75 feet, setting the Macalester indoor and field house records. Emily Klatt jumped a distance of 17-3.5 feet in the long jump for first place, also setting Macalester and field house records. In the triple jump, Lauren Rothschiller took the podium with a distance of 34-11.25 feet. The women also claimed one victory on the track as Beth Hauer crossed the finish line in 10:44.50 in the 3000-meter run.
The Gustie men and women return to competition next week for the Conference Multi’s and the MIAC Championships hosted once again by Macalester. The Multi’s run March 1-2, while the Championships go from March 2-3.