Written by Maren Sundberg '26, Sports Writing Student 

MANKATO, Minn. — The Gustie track & field team headed south to compete at the MSU-Mankato Maverick Open #1 in a field packed with Division II and MIAC athletes.

The women's team showcased their talent with impressive performances across multiple events. In the 4x100 relay, Danielle Miller, Megan Geraets, Ally Rakow, and Kate Carlson secured a third place finish with a time of 48.20, just narrowly missing their season best time. In the 3000-meter steeplechase, junior Sydney Hagen claimed fifth place with a time of 12:17.55, setting a new facility and meet record. In the 200-meter, junior Megan Geraets placed third with a time of 24.66 followed by junior Kate Carlson in fifth place with a time of 24.93. Geraets' time is the best in school history, and ranks 16th in NCAA Division III this outdoor season. 

In the field, junior Lili Guy claimed ninth place with a season-best long jump of 5.46 meters and a conference rank of third, followed closely by Geraets in tenth with a mark of 5.45 meters. Senior Madi Kes secured fifth in the triple jump with a mark of 11.73 meters, while junior Lakesha Carter impressed with a second place finish in the javelin throw with a distance of 36.55 meters.

Meanwhile, the men's team brought their A-game to the competition, delivering standout performances in various events. First-year Jade Anstine continued to shine in the 100-meter, crossing the finish line with a time of 10.83 and claiming fifth. He showed no sign of slowing down in the 200, placing third with a time of 21.64 and setting a new facility and meet record. On the distance side, Nick Brauer showcased his endurance in the 1500-meter with a season-best time of 3:50.53, claiming second place, setting a new meet record, moving up to the third place spot in conference, and breaking the previous school record. In the 5k, sophomore Will Janzen placed sixth with a time of 15:52.31. The 4x100 relay team of senior Isaiah Subah, Anstine, junior Nathan Le, and senior Matthew Skelly powered through to secure third place, with a season-best time of 42.18 and a conference rank of third. 

In the field events, Subah showcased his jumping prowess, securing third in the long jump with a mark of 6.93 meters and a conference rank of third. Danny Bies and Cole Mateich competed in the high jump, claiming sixth and seventh place, respectively, clearing a height of 1.85 meters.

"The jumpers took advantage of the nice weather today with a bunch of breakthrough performances," said Assistant Coach Billy Visto. "The long jumpers got the meet started right away with some big PR's and the triple jumpers kept that momentum going with more outstanding marks. I am excited with how the jumpers are looking going into championship season."

The multi event group will be preparing for the MIAC Outdoor Championships starting on May 2, while the rest of the team looks ahead to the MSU-Mankato Maverick Open #2 on May 4.