TIGERS POST STRONG RESULTS TO START SEASON AT THE DWU SNOW TIGER INVITE

Mitchell, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan Track & Field team hosted the DWU Snow Tiger Invite at the DWU/Avera Sports and Wellness Complex Friday and Saturday, December 9^th/10^th. DWU posted PR's across the board and six top-10 all-time postings, showing a strong start to the season and positive signs heading to the break. The Tigers also already have two qualifiers in the first meets of the season. Wyatt Baldauf- B standard in the 3000m with a time of 8:36.46 and Lila Gronseth- B standard in the shot put with a distance of 13.05m.

Teams— Dakota Wesleyan University, Northern State University and Morningside University.

Men Team Scores— 1^st: Northern State (124)

                                      2^nd: Dakota Wesleyan (106)

                                      3^rd: Morningside (87)

Women Team Scores— 1^st: Northern State (164)

                                            2^nd: Morningside (99)

                                            3^rd: Dakota Wesleyan (90)

Individual Results – Click on the link to see all individual and team results from the DWU Snow Tiger Invite!

Individual Standouts (School/Personal Records) –

Men's Team:

Justin Sorensen – 1000m 2:34.91 (2^nd All-Time in DWU history & PR)

Nate Rupprecht – 60H 9.23 (6^th All-Time in DWU history & PR)

Barrett Nielsen – 60H 9.72 (10^th All-Time in DWU history & PR)

Cale Strong – 60m 7.55 (PR) / Long Jump 6.29m (PR)

Cobey Carr – 60m 7.56 (PR) / 200m 24.91 (PR) / Long Jump 6.21m (PR) / Triple Jump 12.82m (PR)

Layne Lewis – Mile 4:51.60 (PR)

Hunter Shanks – 3000m 9:41.64 (PR)

Women's Team:

Lila Gronseth – Weight Throw 14.67m (4^th All-Time in DWU history & PR)

Darby Deffenbaugh – Weight Throw 14.00m (9^th All-Time in DWU history & PR)

Ashtyn Evans – Triple Jump 10.48m (7^th All-Time in DWU history & PR) / 60m 8.51 (PR) / 200m 28.16 (PR)

Avany Long – 200m 27.89 (PR)

Coaches Quotes—

Roger Malonda on distance:

Good rust buster for the distance group as they transition from cross country to the oval. It was good to have a baseline of where we are currently in terms of fitness before the break, so we can adjust the training accordingly. Personally, I am very glad that despite the heavy training of the fall, the group (Annika Vermeulen- 1000m, Justin Sorensen- 1000m, Hunter Shanks- 3000m, Layne Lewis- Mile) was still able to hit personal best. On an individual note, I was very impressed with Justin Sorensen running very close to the National Standard time on our home track.

Caden Milnine on throws:

They are off to a good start and with a couple meets under our belts. With one qualified and tons of prs this early in the season, the throwers are revving up to have an amazing season

Lydia Gerber & Lia GuiGui on jumps:

The jumps team had a phenomenal start to the season. So far, they have had multiple PRs and multiple top 10 performances. In addition to their performances, the team mentally is the best it's ever been and it shows. They have started this year better than they ever have and they are hungry for more. We're excited as coaches to see them compete in the new year.

DJ Rediger on sprints:

The sprinters are off to a good start here protecting the jungle, and we'll be looking to improve upon these initial solid performances

Matt Rosado on the meet:

When I sit back and reflect on this weekend and the first semester, I can't help but be appreciative of all that we have. For me this was a huge weekend as it's the first time I've hosted a meet of any kind. I remember earlier in my career I dreamed for days and opportunities like this. I'm very proud of all the athletes we have as almost everyone over the last 2 weekends has run/jumped/thrown their personal best, but I'm most proud of how this team has come together to continue to transform the culture of our program. As we transition into the new year the Tigers will continue to improve and make all those before us proud to have been part of Bleed Blue nation! One last time in 2022 #RollTige