By Carly Fehler, UWEC Sports Information
OSHKOSH, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire track and field teams competed at the UW-Oshkosh Titan Challenge on Saturday. While their season has been heading in a good direction, it's beginning to head into a great one.
The women won the meet overall, and were led by Jess Rupnow (Sr. – Sussex, WI/Sussex-Hamilton). She posted two personal bests, running 57.30 to win the 400-meter dash, and 25.74 to win the 200-meter dash.
"Both races felt great," said Rupnow. "Oshkosh's track is favorable for sprinters, so it was cool to see both sides of our team take advantage. This time of the season is always my favorite, when the team starts seeing the fruits of the work that has been put in. I continue to take in every moment and feel more grateful than ever to be on such a special team. There is still work to be done, and we are just getting started."
Well said by the veteran, who sits 11th and 20th in the nation in the 400 and 200, respectively.
On the field side, the women were led by Erica Oawster (So. – Lino Lakes, MN/Centennial) and JoHannah Theisen (Jr. – Eau Claire, WI/Regis) in the shot put. They went 1-2, throwing 13.14 and 12.98, respectively.
Stephanie Frempong-Longdon (Sr. – Minnetrista, MN/Waconia) also added a runner-up finish in the triple jump with a mark of 11.48 meters. She currently sits 11th in the country.
The men showed their speed this weekend with Aaron Zmolek (Fr. – Holmen, WI) and Cody Andrus (Jr. – Homer Glen, IL/Lockport) finishing 1-2 in the 200-meter dash, with times of 22.39 and 22.55.
Kyle Groven (Fr. – Pine Island, MN) won the men's 400-meter dash in a time of 50.36.
The men ran their 4x400 meter relay this week with a team of Zmolek, KJ Munn (Fr. – Bayport, MN/St. Croix Prep Academy), Groven, and Brandon Christnovich (Jr. – Holmen, WI). They posted a very solid 3:19.90, which currently ranks them ninth in NCAA Division III.
It was an exciting weekend with many personal bests and big performances but it will only get more exciting over the next few weeks. The teams head to UW-Stout next weekend for the 2017 Indoor Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championship (presented by Culver's), with competition beginning on Friday.
