SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Augustana men's and women's track and field teams are ready to make their mark this outdoor season this weekend at the USD Early Bird Invite in Vermillion on Friday and Saturday. Events start at 12 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
LAST TIME OUT
Ella Bakken opened up her outdoor campaign at the Washington Distance Carnival at WashU on March 27 running the 5k. Ella ran a 16:36.30, placing 4th. This time put her at the fifth spot all-time in Augustana history.
THIS SEASON
The men's track and field team was ranked second and the women third in this year's NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Ryan Hartman is sure to continue his strong indoor campaign into the outdoor season. Hartman was named as the preseason Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and for good reason. Last year, he was an NSIC Champion in the 1500-meter run and the 5000-meter run. He has broken four indoor Augustana school records and looks to continue to do so in the outdoor season.
Bakken looks to continue her success from the WashU meet. Bakken was an NSIC Champion last year in the 10000-meter run and was named the Vikings' Preseason Athlete to Watch. During indoor, she finished second in the 3000-meter run and is set to continue her strong indoor season into outdoor.
Andrew Martens will be a strong contender yet again in the 110-meter hurdles this outdoor season. Last year, Martens was an NSIC Champion in the 110-meter hurdles. His indoor season showed some success in the 60-meter hurdles where he shattered the Augustana school record and took the fifth-best time in DII.
Athletes to watch this year include Lily Juhnke and Nyanas Kur. The two had a spectacular indoor season. Juhnke stood out in the 60-meter dash as well as the 200-meter dash. Kur has also seen success in the 200-meter dash and 400-meter dash. Kylee Sallee was named the Vikings' Preseason Athlete to Watch and will compete in the heptathlon, where she placed fourth in the conference last year.
For the men's side, Trent DeCook looks to compete and succeed in the 200-meter dash this outdoor season. Jude Jarding, a freshman, had a strong indoor season in the 400-meter dash.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Vikings will head back down to Vermillion to compete in the USD Challenge on April 12.
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