The Dual, an event where Minnesota competes against Wisconsin, has been around since 2015.

So far, the Gophers have been happy with the results.

Minnesota prevailed in the Border Battle with a 93-65 win for the fourth consecutive victory in the meet. The Gophers won six events on the track and three events on the field.

“We are the border champions and that isn’t going to change anytime soon,” sophomore Eric Walker said. “Being able to take pride in ourselves and our school is powerful moving forward. We’re going to take this energy and keep it going week in and week out.”

Junior Jackson Wellenstein, a Madison, Wisconsin native, picked up multiple wins for the Gophers. He won the 400-meter dash with a time of 48.47 seconds and was a part of the 4×400 relay team. He thought it was a good stepping stone to future success.

“Two wins back-to-back like that, it’s a good end to a training block,” Wellenstein said. “We’re moving forward with this season and were taking big steps next weekend in South Dakota, so I think this meet really put us in a good place to succeed further into the season.”

Minnesota benefited from a strong performance from redshirt sophomore Jonathan Webb. He wasn’t a part of the meet as a freshman, but he made a difference this time. Webb won all three of the events that he participated in. He won the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.80 seconds, the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.86 seconds and he was a member of the victorious Minnesota 4×400 meter relay team. 

“I remember, as a freshman I wasn’t a part of it, but I remember seeing all the excitement,” Webb said. “Actually being a part of it this time was overwhelming. It was awesome … I had a great time.” 

Webb was happy with his performance and thought he gained a lot of confidence from the meet.

“I think confidence is the biggest thing and if I can carry that confidence through every meet, I’m going to improve my times every meet,” Webb said. “I think at the end of the season it will be a good finish.”

Minnesota also received wins on the track from Chris Trotter in the 600-meter run and Walker in the 60-meter hurdles. 

On the field, Minnesota got victories from Ryan Lockard in the high jump, John Uchytil in the pole vault and Sammie Houston in the triple jump. Lockard set a personal best with a jump of 2.17 meters.  

The Gophers got a big victory that should propel them into the season. Everyone is happy with the win, especially Madison-native Wellenstein. 

“There is never a bad day to beat the Badgers,” Wellenstein said. “Being from Madison, Wisconsin, it’s kind of weird still seeing the red and white everywhere, but I love the Gophers. I love it here and nothing makes me happier than getting a good team win with my guys. I’m super thankful for that.”