MANKATO, Minn. – The Augustana track & field team had three performances hit the NCAA Provisional Qualifying time on the first day of the Mark Schuck Open on Friday night in Mankato, Minnesota.

"It was a great start to the Mark Schuck Open & Multi meet," director of track & field/cross country Tracy Hellman said. "Both teams showed the quality depth that will help us this year as we had two different men's relay teams and were a half a second away from both women's relay teams hitting the provisional qualifying time. That is very impressive for multiple individuals.

"Overall a great start to the meet."

Two teams were entered for both the men's and women's distance medley relays. Additionally, both teams went 1-2 in the races.

In the women's DMR, the team of Nicolette Schmidt, Caroline Sudbeck, Meagan Schenk and Mallory Delmont ran a time of 12:05.26, running under the provisional qualifying standard.

The second relay team entered, consisting of Patty Jo English, Ella Heinitz, Cami Streff and Rebekah Rairdon, finished close behind in a time of 12:07.59. The time was just shy of the provisional qualifying time of 12:07.33.

The men of Augustana followed the performances of the women's relays, also going 1-2 in the race.

The relay consisting of Evan Johnson, Andrew Martens, Jonah Breuer and Colten Brand were victorious, winning in an NCAA Provisional Qualifying time of 10:04.08.

Following close behind was the second squad of Ryan Hartman, Matthew Schoessow, Austin Miller and Matt Steiger, also clocking a time under the qualifying standard time running 10:05.02.

The two relay teams are both within AU's Top-10 performance list being No. 8 and No. 10 on AU's Top-10 all-time list. 

Freshman Anna Schmidt improved on her personal best from last week's pole vault, soaring to 10-08.00 to place eighth in the event.

The Vikings return for day two of the Mark Schuck Open on Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

–GoAugie.com–