Coach Gary Wilson has big plans for the women’s track team as they head to Walnut, Calif., for the Mt. SAC Relays.
“We didn’t compete last week, so we’re well-rested and trying to set some school records, personal records and qualify for NCAAs,” Wilson said. “Both Drake and the conference are coming up and that’s what we’re focusing on.”
One of the records Wilson hopes the team will set is in the 4×400 relay.
Two weeks ago, freshman Shani Marks, sophomores Amber Day and Jessica Schuster, and senior Ali Garnter broke the 11-year-old school record by three seconds with a time of 3:43.41.
Junior Corinne Nimtz hopes to qualify for the NCAA meet in the 5,000, while throwers Nicole Chimko, Aubrey Schmitt and Beth Howard will try to qualify in the javelin and discus, shot put and hammer respectively.
The Gophers return to Minnesota for a week off before heading to Iowa for the Drake relays April 28-29.

Men’s track and field
The Gophers are spread throughout the country this week as they prepare for the upcoming Drake Relays April 28-29 in Iowa.
Decathletes Jayme Pantekoek and Lyndon McDowell headed to California for the Mt. SAC decathalon, a two-day, 10-event meet.
Select sprinters and jumpers went south to the Arizona Sun Angel meet for two days of competition.
The rest of the team is staying close to home for their practice, with some competing at a Division III meet hosted by Macalester. Coach Phil Lundin says the low-pressure meet helps the team “test the waters” to see if they are ready for competition.
The team will reassemble next weekend for the Baylor Invitational in Waco, Texas.

Monica Wright covers track and field and welcomes comments at [email protected].