The Minnesota track and field teams competed at the Iowa State Classic, the UST Showcase and the Music City Challenge this weekend.
“It was just a productive weekend for the team. A lot of people took a nice step this weekend,” said director of women’s track and field Matt Bingle. “I think it’s good to have the team together, but it’s also good to split them to get the right competition.”
The men kicked off the weekend with success at Iowa State.
Redshirt junior Jordan Charles led the way for the men’s team in the 60 meter dash, where he posted the fastest time in the Big Ten this year with a 6.68 seconds.
Senior Luca Wieland claimed first place in the long jump with a season best of 7.5 meters.
Both men’s and women’s teams competed at the UST showcase at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
For the women, three Minnesota runners won their events while running unattached.
Freshman Maddie Gourley claimed the top spot in the 400 meter run (58.29). Freshman Lindsey Greenlund won the 800 meter (2:15.72) and freshman Megan Hasz took home the top spot in the 3,000 meter in 9:32.82.
On the men’s side, senior Tyler Tappe recorded a season best time in the 60-meter dash. Sophomore John Uchytil also took home a win in the 60-meter hurdles (8.69).
The women also travelled to Nashville to compete in the Music City Challenge this weekend.
Senior Kimberly Golding broke her own Minnesota record in the 60-meter hurdles event.
She won the event with a time of 8.16, improving the record by .02 seconds.
“I was happy, but kind of in a little bit of shock after I saw what I ran,” Golding said. “I could’ve went a little bit faster because my start wasn’t good. I just need to work on that, clean up some stuff and stay humble.”
The men’s team saw some success at Iowa State, as well, led by redshirt sophomore Obsa Ali.
Ali ran the 5,000-meter race at a personal record time of 13:57.43 to put him in 16th overall. The time is the second best in the Big Ten conference this season.
Redshirt junior Ryan Lockard finished second in high jump at 2.15 meters to earn second place
The Gophers will host their Parents Day Invite at the Minnesota Fieldhouse next weekend and will honor their seniors at the meet.
The meet will be the last competition before the team travels to Geneva, Ohio for the Big Ten Indoor Championships.
“I feel good about where we’re at,” Bingle said. “We’ve got to get some things done and keep pushing forward, but we’re where we want to be right now.”
