Warriors continue upward trend in Lee Krough Invitational
By Matt Oliver
ST. PETER, Minnesota – Abby Buehler established an outdoor school record in the 200-meter dash, and the 4×100 relay team set a new school mark for the Waldorf University women’s track and field team during Saturday’s Lee Krough Invitational.
Senior Megan Perkins, Buehler, freshman Adriana Garber and sophomore Danielle Holt teamed up in the 4×100 relay to chase down fifth place for the Warriors with a time of 54.89 seconds. They improved on their previous school-record time by one second as they held off a relay team from NCAA Division III’s Martin Luther College.
“They had great exchanges and ran a very competitive race,” Waldorf coach Kelsey Riggins said. “Megan had a very nice start and opening leg, Abby ran straight into a headwind and did a great job, Adriana ran a nice curve and Danielle did a great job in the final leg really holding off Martin Luther.”
Buehler turned in the first 200 time in school outdoor track history, clocking a finish of 29.05 seconds. The junior from Dodge Center, Minnesota claimed fifth in the long jump, hitting a mark of 5.00 meters (16 feet, 5 inches). Buehler also placed ninth in the triple jump with a distance of 10.21 meters (33 feet, 6 inches).
“Abby had a great day for us in the jumps and sprints,” Riggins said. “Abby had a busy day and managed it all very well. She either placed or PR’d in every event she participated in.”
Freshman Peyton Russell continued her strong season in the javelin, locking up forth with a 34.74-meter (114-foot) performance.
Fourteen teams competed in the meet with Waldorf’s opponents being NCAA Division II and Division III programs. Strong winds presented challenges throughout the day, but the Warriors held their own with hard-fought efforts.
“We had a beautiful day for track and field,” Riggins said. “The sun was out, and there was some wind, but we live in the Midwest, so getting away from the wind is rare. Overall, it was a promising day for us.”
Perkins closed out the 400 in 1:08.93, finishing just one second short of her personal-record time.
Sophomore Erica Fee put together a personal-best performance in the 1,500 as she crossed the finish line in 5:25.42.
“Each weekend, we see some big improvements from Erica,” Riggins said. “She also threw the javelin for the first time this weekend and did a great job for an event she is very green in.”
Garber continued to make strides in the triple jump. She hadn’t been at 100 percent in recent practices, but showed signs that she’s back at full strength in the event. Garber recorded a distance of 9.70 meters (31 feet, 10 inches) to improve on her previous best mark of 9.50 meters.
“Adriana had a very nice PR in the triple jump. She has had some issues with her shins and has been very limited in practices the last two weeks,” Riggins said. “It was great to have her back on the track this weekend, and she definitely made an impact for us.”
Sophomore Karissa Vetsch went to work in the long jump, javelin and 100.
“Karissa had a nice weekend as well,” Riggins said. “She had a busy day and did a great job working through each event and giving her best.”
Waldorf was represented by freshman Auburn Miller in the shot put and discus. Freshman Kelli Wallace competed in the discus and hammer throw. Holt ran the 400 and also contributed in the long jump while Perkins competed in the 200.
The Warriors return to action in the two-day Phil Esten Challenge at La Crosse, Wisconsin, opening the meet on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Waldorf also hosts the Warrior Invitational on Saturday. The meet, which begins at 12 p.m. at Beebe Track, marks the first-ever home competition in program history.