Wayne, Neb. – The Dakota Wesleyan Outdoor Track & Field teams battled chilly conditions while posting strong results in their first outdoor meet of the 2023 spring season. Darby Deffenbaugh and Lila Gronseth kicked it off strong posting top-5 all-time marks in the hammer throw with Deffenbaugh's 47.62m toss which was good for 3rd all-time and Gronseth's 5th all-time mark of 42.69m. Cobey Carr grabbed first in the triple jump at 12.92m which was also a personal best.
Individual Results – Click on the link to see all individual results from the Wildcat Classic
Individual Standouts (School/Personal Records/Top finishes) –
Women's Team:
Darby Deffenbaugh – Hammer Throw- 47.62 ~ (3rd All-Time/PR)
Lila Gronseth – Hammer Throw- 42.69 ~ (5th All-Time/PR)
Annika Vermeulen – 800m- 2:38.62 (Outdoor PR)
Ashtyn Evans – 200m- 29.33 (Outdoor PR)
Avany Long – Long Jump- 5.04m (Finished top-5 at meet)
Abby Ferris – Long Jump- 4.37m (PR)
Men's Team:
Cobey Carr – Triple Jump- 12.92m (Finished 1st at meet/PR) & Long Jump-5.79m (PR)
Cale Strong – Javelin- 44.57m (PR) & Long Jump- 6.24m (PR)
Nate Rupprecht – 100m- 11.71 (PR)
Chase Cermak – 200m- 24.82 (PR)
Coaches Quotes:
Roger Malonda:
Great outdoor opener for the small distance group we had at WSC. Glad to see some great executions from both Annika and Justin. I was very impressed seeing Annika run from the front. It was also very inspiring to finally see Justin on the start line again after a long injury, and still perform the way he did. Excited for what this final season will bring.
Caden Milnine on throws:
The throwers completed well against D2 competition. Massive openers and multiple PRs, despite less then ideal practice wheather conditions, it has put the group in a great place to have a successful season. Overall, a great outdoor opener with glimmers of monster throws to come.
Lia GuiGui on jumps:
Jumpers had a good day despite the chilly conditions. There were several technically sound performances across the board. Overall, a solid outdoor season opener for the team.
DJ Rediger on Javelin:
We had some flashes of success, particularly in Javelin, and it was a good start to the outdoor season. It was also a great opportunity for our younger athletes to get a taste of what it's like to compete outside in the elements after only competing indoors so far.
Matt Rosado on the meet:
It was a great time finally being outdoors, with the weather recently we haven't had much time in the sun. The sprint group looked in mid-season form, running times we ended with last season at the opener is always a good measuring stick to the work we have been putting in to this point. The team as a whole showed major improvements with highlights in being Cale Strong in Jav, Darby Deffenbaugh in the Hammer, and Cobey Carr in the Triple Jump. This outdoor season is already shaping up to be historic for us.