PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Track and Field teams enjoyed a summer-like weekend down at the UW-Platteville Invitational. They gave solid performances on both days of competition in their second meet of the outdoor season.
Men's Results | Women's Results
Josh Thorson's (Sr.-Plymouth, MN/Wayzata) delivered a spectacular performance in the 5000-meter run Friday night, as he was the first collegiate to cross the finish line in a school record-breaking time of 14:07.89. This was his first race back after a tremendous indoor campaign, and it's clear he is picking up right where he left off. A couple other freshly decorated distance runners, Darin Lau (So.-Eau Claire, WI/Immanuel) and Nick Petersson (Sr.-Brookfield, MN), also turned in great performances in the event, finishing 9th(14:24.66) and 10th(14:27.64). They all currently sit 1st, 11th, and 13th nationally.
Sam Anderson (Jr.-Forest Lake, MN) led the women all weekend, starting Friday night with a toss of 50.26 in the hammer throw, good for second place and earns her the 12th spot in the country. She came back Saturday for another second place finish, this time in the discus throw. Her mark of 43.85 is good for 15th in the nation.
The men's 4x400 meter relay team of Jimmy Paske (Jr.-Minnetonka, MN/Hopkins), Kevin Brooks (Sr.-Roseville, MN), Will LaJeunesse (Sr.-Belle Plaine, MN) and Ryan Graham (Jr.-Maple Grove, MN) placed second in a good opening time of 3:16.92, currently placing them 7th in the country. They will undoubtedly move up the ranks in the coming weeks, and will be a fun group to watch as they will only get faster.
Matt Dietlin (Jr.-Fitchburg, WI/ Verona Area) placed second in the high jump with a clearance of 1.94 meters.
Alex Mess (Sr.-Lake Mills, WI/Green Bay Notre Dame) took second in the shot put with a throw of 16.91 meters, which is a personal best outdoors. He is currently ranked 5th in the nation with that mark.
The Blugolds will head to La Crosse next weekend with hopes of more warm weather for the Phil Esten Challenge.
