LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan's track and field teams made a strong showing at the Graduate Classic hosted by the University of Nebraska. The Prairie Wolves delivered multiple personal-best performances, highlighted by nationally-ranked marks.
How It Happened
Men's Highlights
Junior Noah Smith headlined the men's performances with a blistering personal-best time of 8.09 in the 60-meter hurdles preliminaries, tying him for second in school history and launching him to fourth nationally in Division III. Freshman Jacob Young also set a personal best in the same event, clocking 8.40.
In the distance events, Conner Ross delivered a standout performance in the 5000 meters, running 15:17.86 to secure fourth place. Sophomore Josh Knispel followed closely, finishing sixth with a personal-best time of 15:59.94.
The men's 4x400-meter relay team of Jackson Feauto, Lucas Steuter, Connor Plahn, and Jacob Wertz capped the meet with a solid 3:24.64, finishing seventh in a highly competitive field.
Women's Highlights
Junior Delaney Vacek added her name to the NWU record books, running a personal-best 3:04.38 in the 1000 meters to claim seventh in program history. Senior Keeley Hourigan continued to shine in the 60-meter hurdles, recording a personal-best time of 9.09. Her effort not only moved her to seventh in school history but also elevated her to 15th in the nation.
Sophomore Rachel Smith delivered a personal best in the 200 meters with a time of 27.75 and also ran 9.51 in the 60-meter hurdles. Junior Avary Byers clocked 19:50.09 in the 5000 meters, securing fifth place.
Up Next
The Prairie Wolves will compete next weekend at the Prairie Wolf Invite in Lincoln.
