Dillon Hogan/Winonan

Now in their second week of outdoor competition, the Winona State University track and field team is in the midst of their season. Fresh off an extremely successful outdoor season opening meet in Oshkosh, the Warriors were eager to build off of it and continue the hot streak of their new season.

Coming off of last week’s meet, Taylor Vogel said, “I think as a team we competed very well. It was really poor weather for the first meet outdoors, but everyone had high spirits and ran their hardest. We set some pretty high standards during our indoor season and I think we’re all looking to have just as successful of an outdoor season or better. We’re ready to compete.”

April 13 and 14, the Warriors hosted their only home track meet of the season and with less than ideal weather, the Warriors were forced to tough it out en route to recording eight event title victories over the two-day span.

To go with their eight event title victories, the Warriors also managed to record three more NCAA Championship provisional qualifying marks.

The first of the three Warriors with qualifying marks was Shanai Guider, who threw the discus with a final scoring toss of 156’7”, which was far enough not only to qualify, but also to give Guider the win for the event.

Joining Guider with a score far enough to qualify was Alissa Rausch who placed second in the discus throw behind Guider with a final scoring toss of 153’6”. Rausch also achieved NCAA qualification marks in the shot put throw finishing with a throw of 47’7.75 claiming the victory in the shot put event.

The third and final Warrior to capture NCAA provisional marks was Hannah Mueller in the long jump event with a final leap of 18’10” to capture the win and qualifying marks.

The Warriors relay teams also achieved success over the weekend. The Warriors 4×100 meter relay race team won their title, posting a final time of 49.36 seconds.

The 4×400 meter relay race team also won their event with a finishing time of 3:59.75.

The Warriors were also able to record victories in the 100-meter race, with Sarah Finley claiming victory with a time of 12.69 seconds. Brittney Rynda won the triple jump event with a concluding score of 11.49 meters. Also in the event section, Kassi Kamps threw for the win in the hammer throw event, notching a final throw in the event of 46.62 meters.

The Sunday portion of the Warrior Open concluded the meet with a heptathlon where Warriors Anna Blaske finished third and Natalie Busher finished fourth overall.

The Warrior Throws Invitational which was also scheduled for Wednesday was unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather.

The Warriors will next compete in La Crosse, Wis. for the Phil Esten Challenge on Friday, April 19.

Contact Dillon at [email protected]