SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The Augustana track and field teams wrapped up the Howard Wood Dakota Relays on Saturday in their first and only meet in Sioux Falls for the season. The Vikings put up several personal bests, while achieving multiple NCAA Division II provisional qualifying marks over the weekend.

"We had some great performances this weekend and seem to be peaking at the right time," said head coach Tracy Hellman. 

In the Dakota Relays, the Viking women were highlighted by a first-place finish by the 4x100m relay of Olivia Montez Brown, Alaina Klapperich, Selin Dikmen, and Callie DeWitt. The group finished the race in 46.54 seconds which achieved an Augustana school record. The mark also ranks as the 26th fastest time in the country for Division II and is a provisional qualifier. 

Continuing on the women's side were Kendra Ludeman and Mearah Miedema as they tied for second place in the high jump, clearing 1.60m. In the 3000m steeplechase, Courtney Hottovy and Rachel Rairdon achieved personal bests, with Hottovy running a 10:53.78 and Rairdon running an 11:29.00. In the 800m, Kali Ryan ran a new outdoor personal best with a third place finish in 2:14.55. 

In the long jump, four Vikings placed in the top six as Callie DeWitt took first at 5.26m and Sarah Westerman claimed second at 5.22m. Kaly Banks (4.82m) and Grayce Adler (4.72m) took fourth and sixth in the event. Ashley Solano wrapped up the competition for Augustana with a personal best in the 400m hurdles and a third place finish in 1:03.90. 

The Viking men got things started on Friday in the 400m where Alex Woods (49.98), Ryan Sully (50.16), and Blake Savey (50.61) each placed inside the top eight. In the high jump, Tyl Woelber  finished fifth place with a jump of 2.00m after his runner-up finish at the NSIC Multis Championship on Monday. 

In Saturday's competition, Paul Meloche took first place in the 110m hurdles with a personal best time of 14.55 seconds. Later on, Evan Johnson and Endre Wigaard achieved personal bests in the 1500m, running a 3:58.76 and 3:59.39 in the event. Josh Barrows was crowned the champion in the 400m hurdles as he ran a season-best time of 52.86 seconds, while Woods (54.67) and Josh Schumacher (57.05) tallied personal bests in the race.

"The coaching staff is excited to see what we can accomplish next week," remarked Hellman. "Both teams are hitting their best marks of the year and are prepared for next weekend's NSIC Championships."

Next Up

The Vikings next competition will take place in Duluth, Minn. at the NSIC Championships on May 10-11.