WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University of Minnesota track and field teams kicked off the 2015 indoor season on Saturday, hosting Winona State and Viterbo in the Saint Mary's Early Birdinal at the Gostomski Fieldhouse.
And what an opener it was.
"It was a great first meet," said Saint Mary's coach Neils Anderson. "We have a young team and the learning that took place was invaluable. I was looking for them to have great warm-ups and make sure their internal monologue was positive. I think for the most part, it definitely was and so I am happy with what happened out there."
Bryan Ortman (Chicago, Ill.) picked up a pair of first-place finishes for the Cardinal men in the non-team-scored event, as the Cardinal junior placed first in the long jump (6.24 meters) and the triple jump (11.53 meters).
Tyler Kircher (Cashton, Minn.) chipped in a 1-2 showing in the weight throw (15.39 meters) and shot put (11.50 meters), respectively, while
Phil Emmerich (Mondovi, Wis.) had a busy day, placing first in the pole vault (3.33 meters), and fourth in both the high jump (1.43 meters) and the shot put (9.92 meters).
Ross Kinderman (Onalaska, Wis.) chipped in a second in the high jump (1.56 meters), and a fourth in the 55 (6.88), with
Evan Mumbleau (La Crescent, Minn.) posting a third in the 500 (56.45) and a fourth in the high jump (1.58 meters).
Laura Schommer (Hutchinson, Minn.) led the way for the Cardinal women, placing fourth in both the 55 (7.75) and the 200 (27.86), while Maria Missurelli (Franklin, Wis.) was the top performer in the pole vault, clearing 2.43 meters.
"Brian and Tyler both started the season with lifetime bests in the long jump and weight throw, respectively—not that I was totally surprised, because I see what they do in practice everyday," said Anderson. "But to come out at the first meet of the year with all-time personal bests is a sign of great things to come."
The Cardinals are back in action next Saturday, traveling to Menomonie, Wis., to take part in the UW-Stout Invitational.
Meet Results
