Meet Results

NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The field was the best of the best — and for Saint Mary's University's Megan Mason (Rochester, Minn.), Amanda Weinmann (Rochester, Minn.) and Autumn Valk (Appleton, Wis.), just being mentioned in the same breath with the most talented NCAA Division III track and field athletes in the nation was a huge accomplishment.

And the Cardinal trio was determined to savor the moment — where they finished in their respective events at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships was just the icing on the cake.

"This weekend is all about having fun and enjoying being there," said Mason prior to the event. "While doing well in the competition is important — and I would love to improve my mark — it's more about the experience."

A very memorable experience at that.

Mason finished her first-ever indoor national championship with a ninth-place finish in the high jump with a leap of 5-3 3/4. Weinmann and Valk, also appearing on the nation's biggest stage for the first time, left the St. Olaf campus with performances to remember, as Weinmann finished with a throw of 42-9 in the shot put, while Valk ran an 8.55 in the 55 hurdles.

Neither Weinmann or Valk were able to make the finals in their respective events, but according to coach Kirk Nauman, that certainly didn't tarnish the Cardinals' efforts — or the remarkable seasons they had.

"I'm very happy with the way these three competed," said Nauman of his SMU threesome. "They all did their best — which is all you can ever ask. They should be proud of their accomplishments.

"When you look at how far these three have come — not only this year but from their freshmen years to now — it's amazing," continued Nauman. "Right now, Autumn is running 24 hundreths of a second faster than she's ever run before, and when you look at how far she's come from her freshman year to now, it's just unbelievable. Megan has overcome so much, including the birth of her baby, to become our best-ever high jumper and pole vaulter, and Amanda is throwing (the shot) three feet farther than she's ever thrown it.

"They all had banner years and have had stellar careers."

And they aren't done yet.

"This group is never satisfied," Nauman said. "They are content with just getting (to nationals) this time around — but the experience has left them hungry for more.

"I can hardly wait for the outdoor season."