By Carly Fehler, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire track and field teams were scattered across the Midwest this weekend, chasing their last opportunities to qualify for the NCAA Indoor National Championships that begin this week.
On Friday night, the distance medley relay team of Kyler Lueck (Fr. – Germantown, WI/Wisconsin Lutheran), Hunter Henk (Fr. – Beldenville, WI/River Falls), Ryan Graham (Sr. – Maple Grove, MN), and Matt Cooper (Sr. – Ashwaubenon, WI) traveled to St. Olaf's Final Qualifier meet, and made the trip worth it. They ran 10:02.39, which puts them 10th in the nation and solidifies their chance to run faster in Illinois.
At the Point Final Qualifier hosted by UW- Steven's Point on Saturday, JoHannah Theisen (Jr. – Eau Claire, WI/Regis), a 2016 NCAA Indoor National Championships qualifier, literally put herself back into the conversation with a mark of 13.83 in the shot put. She improved her standing to 10th in the country.
The men's 4x400 meter relay team welcomed back their senior leader Jimmy Paske (Sr. – Minnetonka, MN/Hopkins) this weekend, who has been injured most of the indoor season. His recovery was well-timed as he and the team of Aaron Zmolek (Fr. – Holmen, WI), KJ Munn (Fr. – Bayport, MN/St. Croix Prep Academy, and Brandon Christnovich (Jr. – Holmen, WI) punched their ticket to the big dance with a time of 3:18.86. That time puts them 7th in the nation.
Last chance meets can be stressful for athletes, coaches, and fans alike. It was a solid weekend for the Blugolds, who were excited to get a few more athletes on the bus. It has been a season of ups and downs for the Blugolds, but they are certainly ready and prepared for the trip to North Central College, who will host the 2017 NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championships March 10th-11th. Competition begins Friday, with finals being contested on Saturday.
