Titania Markland broke the program record in the 400-meter run to pace the Gophers at the Iowa State Classic.
The junior ran the event in 54.34 seconds, beating the previous record by only .01 seconds.
The 400 meters was one of Minnesota’s best events in the two-day meet with six athletes setting career-best times. Sophomore Emerald Egwim finished in third in 54.56 seconds to move to fifth all-time in program history.
“[The 400-meter group] trains together and enjoys being around each other,” head coach Matt Bingle said. “They push each other every day.”
Redshirt senior Liz Berkholtz also moved up the record books on Friday, running the 3,000 meters in 9:19.79, the second best in Minnesota history.
“[Moving up in the program record books] feels amazing,” Berkholtz said. “It’s one of those moments where all the hard work pays off. You don’t get [those moments] often, so you have to enjoy them.”
Redshirt sophomore Madeline Strandemo took seventh place in the 3,000 meters in 9:21.81, which moved her to fourth place all-time at Minnesota.
Freshman Sofie Albrechtsen also won the high jump on Friday by clearing 1.76 meters.
“We took a step forward,” Bingle said. “A lot of the ladies had season bests, so as a whole team we took a step forward with consistency.”
Lockard and Johnson earn personal bests
Redshirt sophomore Ryan Lockard set a personal record in the high jump, and redshirt senior Luke Johnson threw for a personal best in the shot put over the weekend.
Johnson had a distance of 19.48 meters to take second in his event, while Lockard jumped 2.15 meters to take first on Saturday.
“Anytime you hit a milestone, it’s a pretty good accomplishment,” Lockard said. “[It’s] definitely an exciting way to lead into the Big Ten meets.”
Redshirt junior Nick Bachinski also cleared 2.15 meters in the high jump on Saturday but lost a jump-off to Lockard to take second.
“To have two jumpers over 7 feet again is good,” head coach Steve Plasencia said. “It’s great, and I was happy for both Lockard and
Bachinski.”
Redshirt sophomore Jordan Charles took fourth in the triple jump at the meet, and the Gophers had two runners finish in the top 10 of the 400 meters.
Minnesota also took third in the 4×400-meter relay, with freshman Jack Wellenstein, redshirt junior Nate Roese, redshirt sophomore Brad Neumann and redshirt junior Rashawn Fountain running a 3:11.51.
