The St. Kate's track and field team competed for the final time before heading into the MIAC Championships, and despite the chilly and windy conditions the Wildcats showed they are on course for a great final weekend of competition.
Senior
Sami Larson got the Wildcats off to a great start as she posted an NCAA Provisional Qualifying Mark in the shot put. Larson's finished fourth in the event behind three Division I athletes. Her toss of 12.99 meters (42-7.5ft) was not only a personal best and school record, but moved her to #18 on the NCAA National List.
Running under the lights during the last event of the evening, the Wildcats 4 x 400 meter relay team finished first overall with a time of 3:58.70. Some five seconds ahead of the second place team.
In other events,
Sam Levercom continued her strong season. She finished sixth in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.83 seconds. The three other wildcats in the 100 meter dash (
Kelsie Hansen,
Jasmin Hardin, and
Mafer Rojas) all set personal bests on the afternoon as well.
Jenny Ampe soared to new personal best in the pole vault. Her mark of 3.21meters (10-6.25ft) moved her to #3 all-time at St. Kate's.
Kim Engel finished seventh in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.52. Three others Wildcats turned in new season or personal bests in the 200 as well (
Erin Coughlin,
Jamie Kelly, Hardin).
In the distance events
Mary Beth Kowitz,
Renee Crepeau and
Jessica Rogers all turned in new personal bests. Kowitz shaved seven seconds off of her previous best time in the 1500 meter run (5:30.78), while Crepau dropped 45 seconds off of her previous best in the 5k (20:01.57).
The Wildcats are now off until the MIAC Championships on May 14-15 at St. Mary's University in Winona.