BROOKINGS, S.D. -- The Augustana track & field teams had a breakout day on Saturday at the Jim Emmerich Invite in Brookings, South Dakota, with several top times in the conference and an NCAA auto qualifying mark. 

Junior Mearah Miedema, bettered her performance in the high jump from last week's provisional mark, leaping to an auto-qualifying mark, a feat only one other athlete has done this year in the high jump. Her jump of 5-9.25 currently sits her at second in the nation.

NSIC Preseason Field Athlete of the Year, Tyl Woelber was able to find season bests in all three events he competed in today. He improved his season bests in the high jump, long jump, and 60m hurdles while winning the high jump in the process.  

The two milers of the day, Austin Miller and Matt Steiger, ran away from the competition, placing first and second, respectively. Their times of 4:12.69 and 4:14.80, respectively, are currently the top two times in the conference. 

The women's 5k crew showed that their historic pack running is still in effect, having all seven runners within seven seconds of one another. The winner of the 5,000m was the NSIC's preseason athlete to watch, Nicolette Schmidt running a 17:46.88. 

Another strong event for the Vikings was the 600m. Sophomore Noah Melton placed second in the race with a new personal best of 1:20.41. All four Vikings entered in the 600m came away with personal bests. 

The Vikings totaled 26 marks today that currently sit within the top-ten spots in the conference. 

The Augustana track and field teams return to action next week at the Northern State Invite in Aberdeen, South Dakota. 

--GoAugie.com--