Several new faces on the Gophers women’s track and field team gave early indications Saturday that the team could improve on its lower-half finish in the Big Ten a year ago.
Five of the eight events won by Gophers at the Northwest Open were won by newcomers, including five freshmen.
Chanteau White, a transfer from Central State in Wilberforce, Ohio, won both the 55-meter dash and the 55 hurdles. The freshmen winners were Christine Gulbrandsen (triple jump), Kay Fuller (400), Daphne Panhuysen (3,000), and Natalie Smith (long jump). The other Minnesota winners were Dani Parkos in the shot put, Shellie Braggs in the 200, and the 1,600 relay.
The Gophers men’s team won seven events: Staffan Strand (long jump), Chad Yenchesky (shot put), Nathaniel Clay (mile run), Niles Deneen (55 hurdles), Ryan Hoffner (800), Tye Harvey (pole vault), and the 1,600 relay. Steve Plasencia, Minnesota men’s cross country coach, ran unattached and won the 3,000.
Other schools in the meet at the Fieldhouse included St. Cloud State, Winona State, Lakehead University and Bethel College.
Wrestling
The wrestling match between Minnesota and South Dakota State scheduled for Friday night at the Sports Pavilion was cancelled because of severe winter weather. The conditions in Brookings, S.D., prevented the Jackrabbits from travelling.