Huskies Generate Record Performances over Weekend
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Members of the Michigan Tech men's and women's track and field teams competed at three different events over the weekend, setting new school and personal records in various events. Tech was represented at the Wisconsin-Platteville Invitational, Bucknell Bison Outdoor Classic, and the Hillsdale Border Battle.
Emily Vigil, Sophia Farquhar, and Emily Byrd all raced in the women's 5,000 Meter Run at Platteville and recorded personal bests. Vigil was the top finisher for the Huskies, placing 18th out of 64 competitors with a time of 17:57.69. It was the second fastest time in school history. Farquhar hit the line with a time of 18:06.89 and finished 27th in the standings on her way to the 3rd best time in Tech history. Byrd checked in at number 31 with a time of 18:14.29, resulting in the sixth best time in the school record books.
On the men's side at Platteville, Dan Kulas covered the 5000 Meter Run in 15:07 which was a new personal best for him as well. He placed 35th overall and was less than 50 seconds off the first place pace.
Jason Saliga had another strong performance in the Steeplechase at the Bucknell Bison Outdoor Classic. Saliga finished fourth in the finals with a time of 9:09.92 and is currently ranked 16th in NCAA Division II in the event.
Matthew Pahl also competed at Bucknell and set a new school record in the 10,000 Meter Run, finishing 12th with a time of 29:53.24. He outran a number of NCAA Division I and II athletes to place in the top quarter of the overall field. Pahl is also ranked 16th in NCAA Division II in the 10,000 Meter Run following the meets this past weekend.
Zachary Klassen joined Pahl in breaking a Michigan Tech school record at Hillsdale in the Decathlon. Klassen generated a score of 6427, eclipsing the previous school record by three points. He won the event this weekend and is ranked nationally at No. 12 in NCAA Division II.
Ross Michaels finished third in the Decathlon with 4698 points while Keith Lemley took home first place in the Pole Vault at the Hillsdale meet. Lemley cleared the bar at 4.61m with Luke Miller of Hillsdale finishing second at 4.31m.
In addition to Klassen, Saliga, and Pahl, Kyle Petermann is also in the national track and field rankings for Tech at No. 22 in the Discus.
The next team event for both the men and women will be at the Al Owens Invitational in Allendale, Michigan on April 21st and 22nd.