The Kansas State University track team excelled at the Texas Tech Shootout in Lubbock, Texas as they look forward to the Steve Miller Open and the Big 12 Championship with anticipation.
The Wildcats snagged three event wins in the women’s triple jump, weight throw and 800 meter race.
Junior Helene Ingvaldsen placed first in the weight throw competition, throwing 20.79 meters. Senior Rachel Wilson of the University of Pennsylvania placed second with a distance of 20.22 meters.
In the women’s triple jump, senior Shardia Lawrence leapt 13.41 meters. Lawrence is currently No. 3 in the NCAA in the event.
On the track, freshman Kassidy Johnson edged past the competition in the 800 meters, finishing first in 2:08.88. Freshman Alex Ferguson finished second with a time of 2:09.62.
While the men’s team did not win any events, senior Kurt Loevenstein set a personal record in the men’s 800 meter with a time of 1:50.87. This amounted to a third place finish.
“We had a few very strong performances,” said Cliff Rovelto, director of track and field and cross country. “Unfortunately, we also had some performances that leave you questioning where we are, but I think some of those can be addressed and corrected in the next couple of weeks.”
The Wildcats will return to Ahearn Field House to host the Steve Miller Open on Feb. 16. The Steve Miller Open will be the last home meet for the Wildcats as they work to prepare for the Big 12 Championship on Feb. 22 and 23.