Viterbo track teams set new records

The Viterbo Track and Field teams have set new team records with recent performances from their star athletes. The teams look to continue the pursuit of their preseason goals by carrying their success into the postseason.  

The teams began their outdoor season on April 2 at the UW-Platteville Opener. Jalen Anderson ran the 100-meter qualifier in 10.99 seconds and a wind-aided 10.79 in the finals, marking a new school record for the event. He also placed second in the 200-meter dash, finishing in 22.47. Greg Jenkins and Justin Moore continued their success from the indoor season. Moore won the long jump with a 7.27-meter leap and Jenkins placed second with 7.04. Jenkins also placed second in the high jump with a 2-meter jump.  

The women’s teams performed well in Platteville with six athletes placed in the top five of their respective events and three athletes won their events. Lana Yeakel won the 400-meter dash with a 1:02.35, just edging out second place by .16 seconds. The women also won both the high and long jump events. Miranda Kendall won the high jump at 1.58 meters, which is a mere .02 meters away from tying the school record. Grace Peyron won the long jump with 5.16 meters.  

After a strong start in Platteville, the teams made further progress during their other competitions, posting season bests at impressive marks. At the Saint Thomas Tom Cat Invitational, Bailey Nuutinen pole vaulted a new school record with a staggering 3.45-meter jump. Payton Dryden nearly snagged a school record for herself in the discus at the same event. Her throw of 38.84 meters was less than a meter short of the top spot.  

The men’s team broke new ground this season as several athletes have had personal and school best performances. At the Ashton May Invitational, Jalen Anderson became the first Viterbo athlete to break 22 seconds in the 200 meter dash, finishing in 21.93 seconds. Damien Boberg nearly set a personal best discus throw of 43.37 meters on April 14, and on the following week, he shattered the school record for hammer throw with a toss of 46.40 meters.  

With less than three weeks until conference, the team remains busy. Members of the team will be in Des Moines, Iowa between April 28-30 for the Drake Relays. The first event in May is Hamline University’s Meet of the UnSaintly. There will be stiff competition at these events, but there has been this whole season. 

The team is through the bulk of their season, and on May 12, the postseason begins. The NSAA Conference Tournament will be held on the 12 and 13 of May in Valley City, N.D. Many athletes are hoping to bring home first place for Viterbo. The next week is the NAIA Nationals, which is held in Gulf Shores, Ala. While the season is coming to a close, there is still plenty of action left.