DES MOINES, Iowa – The Gustavus track and field teams got out to a strong start in the first complete day of events in the Drake Relays. The day was highlighted by Kate Carlson, Makenna Huetten, Birgen Nelson, and Elizabeth Donnelly taking championship honors in the women’s sprint medley with a time of 3:59.32
“It’s always nice when unexpected good things happen which is what happened with our women’s sprint medley today,” said Coach Harder ” With our alternate Makenna Huetten taking the baton from Kate Carlson we got off with a very strong lead. They put us into a position for Birgen in the 400 and Elizabeth in the 800 to close the door on Augustana. With two heats that were faster on paper that followed the Gusties, we got to watch as everyone else scrambled to meet our time. Seeing four of our ladies, two freshmen and two upperclass men holding Drake flags was really fantastic. Those who know Drake relays know what a big deal it is and our ladies keep making us very proud.”
Elizabeth Donnelly kicked off the competition for the Gusties with a seventh place finish in the 800m on Thursday night with a time of 2:10.68, nearly matching her lifetime best.
On Friday morning the team of Tyler Smith, Blake Fuller, Markus Rupnow, and Dylan Gast placed 17th in the 4×800. Sophomore Birgen Nelson finished in 11th against a Division I field with a time of 14.16.
Seth Zeitchick, Wyatt Quiring, Dylan Gast, Tyler Smith closed out the day with a fourteenth place finish in the men’s sprint medley (3:32.52).
“My thoughts going into the sprint medley today were on our freshmen Kate and Makenna,” said Coach Becki Staley “Going to Drake Relays and handing the baton off to two All-American runners can be a tall order for young athletes but these ladies nailed it today. Birgen and Elizabeth make what they do look easy but what they do is very difficult and they executed beautifully. It is a pleasure to be coaching one of the best athletes in the country. Hats off to Coach Harder who is building a tradition of amazing hurdlers at Gustavus. It is just fun to be a part of the family.”
The Gusties will host the Drake Alternate tomorrow beginning at 10:00 am while Jack Degonda, Blake Fuller, Markus Rupnow, Tucker Wallin will compete in the final day of the Drake Invite in the Distance Medley Relay at 9 a.m.