COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - Gustavus Track & Field sent a small contingent of throwers, hurdlers, and a few jumpers and runners sprinkled in to open its outdoor season in the windy conditions of the CSB/SJU Optimistic Meet.

Despite the elements, the Gusties turned in multiple top-five finishes across events.

On the men's side, Connor McCormick led the way with a third-place finish in the 400m hurdles, clocking 57.89 to break his previous personal best by seven seconds. Landon Gilbertson followed up by placing fourth in 59.49. In the field, Kyler Flunker cleared 1.90 meters in the high jump to earn third place.

The women's hurdler trio of Emily Podulke, Ava Loftness, and Sophia Vogel had a strong showing by finishing second, fourth, and fifth in the 400m hurdles with times of 1:07.28, 1:08.43, and 1:09.38. Vogel also added another podium finish, taking third in the 100m hurdles in 16.14.

Gustavus returns to action next Friday at the Luther College Norse Invite in Decorah, Iowa.