PELLA, Iowa – The Saint Mary's track and field team officially kicked off its outdoor season this weekend, splitting competition across the Midwest. Isaiah Fitzgerald opened the slate Friday at the Washington University Distance Carnival, while the rest of the Cardinals competed Saturday at the Central College Dutch Invitational.
Fitzgerald turned in a strong showing in the 5,000-meter run, crossing the finish line in 15:30.39.
The remainder of the squad opened the season in Iowa against a highly competitive field featuring programs from across NCAA Divisions I through III.
On the track, Ryan Cramer highlighted the men's sprint performances with a personal-best time of 10.79 in the 100 meters. Gage Hatch followed with a personal-best 22.32 in the 200.
The Cardinals saw a strong showing in the women's 200, where four athletes recorded personal bests. Samantha Munson led the group with a seventh-place finish in 25.39, followed closely by Zari Young in eighth at 25.42. Jossy Sammanen clocked a 27.20, while Hailey Kieffer added a 29.55.
Deni Zaharieva delivered the top finish of the meet for Saint Mary's, placing third in the women's 400 with a personal-best time of 59.82. Mya Slavin also turned in a solid performance, finishing fifth in 1:00.29.
In the men's 400 hurdles, Daniel Araoz and Keaton Miller placed 22nd and 23rd with times of 1:04.13 and 1:09.26, respectively.
Susan Bergeman posted a career-best 2:34.21 in the women's 800, finishing 29th.
In the field events, Xara Gin cleared 3.22 meters in the pole vault to earn a fifth-place finish, while Jackson Perkins recorded a personal-best 11.72 meters in the triple jump. Lexi Repinski (30.25m, discus) and Isabella Schei (35.71m, hammer throw) each placed 28th in their respective events.
Repinski and Schei also finished 21st and 22nd in the shot put with throws of 8.92 and 8.89 meters, while Rowan Sween added a 12.07-meter mark to place 25th.
Saint Mary's returns to action next Saturday, April 4, at the Luther Norse Invitational in Iowa, with events set to begin at 10:00 a.m.
