Three Minnesota women’s track and field athletes posted NCAA provisional qualifying marks this weekend at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Coach Gary Wilson was just pleased to see his team’s chemistry on the road.
“It was the first time we all travelled together,” coach Gary Wilson said, “And the thing I observed is we just don’t have any bad apples. Somebody that ruins the trip, where all they do is bitch and moan.”
Aubrey Schmitt led the Gophers with fourth-place finishes in both the shot put (50-feet, 4-inches) and weight throw (61-10). Christine Gulbrandsen also placed fourth for the Gophers in the triple jump with a leap of 42 1/2. Beth Howard had the final qualifying mark for Minnesota with a ninth place finish (58-1) in the weight throw.
The meet serves as Minnesota’s second-to-last warm-up for the Big Ten meet at the Fieldhouse in two weeks. Wilson, who said two years ago this year’s team might win it all in the indoor or outdoor season, likes his chances.
“Absolutely. The kids have stayed, it’s a fun group, and through all the changes in coaches and it would be great for them if they won,” Wilson said.
Men’s track and field
Two Minnesota men’s track and field team members set personal bests this weekend at the Iowa State Classic in Ames, Iowa.
Sophomore Andrew McKessock clocked a career-best time of 4:02.56 in the mile. The time was good enough for second in the event.
Freshman Chris Dixon also had a career-best jump of 49-10 in the triple jump. Dixon placed sixth in the event.
Also for the Gophers, sophomore Bob Quade ran a time of 1:10.35 to place first in the 600-yard run.
In the high jump, junior Marc Johannsen placed fourth with a leap of 6-11 1/2.

Men’s tennis
The 23rd-ranked Gophers tennis team dropped its match this weekend to seventh-ranked Southern Methodist.
Minnesota’s Tyson Perry was the only winner in Gophers’ six singles matches.
In doubles, Minnesota beat SMU in two of the three matches to earn the lone doubles point in the 5-2 loss.