ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - The Nebraska Wesleyan track and field teams showcased their talent at the Augie Central Twilight Last Chance Invitational on May 14-15, with multiple athletes securing national qualifying marks and personal bests.
How it Happened
Senior thrower Avery Decker highlighted the meet with a dominant performance in the women's javelin, winning the event with a throw of 46.40m (152-02) to set a new meet record. Fellow javelin specialist Aliah Clarke launched a personal best of 41.83m (137-03), moving her into 12th nationally and securing a spot at the NCAA Championships.
Freshman Samuel Clements continued his breakout season in the shot put, unleashing a personal best of 16.88m (55-04.75). The throw ranks 13th nationally, qualifies him for nationals, and stands as the third-farthest throw in school history.
Junior Colin Wojtkiewicz delivered a mark of 16.11m (52-10.25) in the shot put, ranking 33rd nationally. Senior Eric Lenz made his presence felt in the hammer throw with a mark of 55.95m (183-06), placing him 36th in Division III.
In the sprints, senior Austin Nauert clocked 10.96 in the 100m preliminaries, while senior Tanner Johnson posted a time of 14.85 in the 110m hurdles, ranking him 64th nationally. Johnson also impressed in the 400m hurdles with a personal best of 54.88, good for 75th nationally.
The men's 4x400m relay team of Morgan Conner, McClain Meyer, Gavin Vlcan, and Connor Plahn narrowly missed a national qualifying mark with their time of 3:12.30. The performance ranks seventh in school history and 21st nationally.
On the women's side, sophomore Emmilly Berglund showcased her versatility in the throws, placing fifth in the discus (43.90m/144-00) and second in the shot put invite (13.97m/45-10.00).
The Prairie Wolves continued their late-season momentum with several personal bests. Sophomore Lucas Steuter clocked 1:55.14 in the 800m, while freshman Jacob Wertz finished in 1:58.52, both setting new personal records.
In the field events, senior Morgan Conner leaped 6.86m (22-06.25) in the long jump for a season-best mark, while senior Natalie Cummins and sophomore Chloe Mooberry placed fourth and fifth in the women's long jump with marks of 5.53m and 5.52m, respectively.
The Prairie Wolves will now prepare for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, set for May 22-24 at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.
Projected National Qualifiers:
