The University of Minnesota Duluth men's and women's track teams started off a busy week in Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday with an impressive effort at the Gary Wilson Invitational hosted by the University of Minnesota.

 

One of the biggest Bulldog highlights came from senior Jackson Weston's second place shot put throw of 17.84 – not just a personal best throw, but now the 11th farthest through in all of NCAA Division II outdoor competition this season. Weston also had the 78th-best NCAA Division II men's hammer throw of 53.87 in the meet.

 

On the women's field side, freshman women's triple jumper Ilm'aime Ntambwe had the 74th longest triple jump in all of NCAA Division II Wednesday with an 11.47.

 

On the track, senior Maddie Verkerke ran a season-best 2:14.96 in the 800 meters for a second place finish. Verkerke was followed by junior Ellie Hanowksi, who finished third with a time of 2:15.13.

 

Other track highlights came from a 10.55 prelim run in the men's 100 meter from junior Brayden Brakke that is currently the 61st fastest in the NCAA DII this season, as well as a 110 meter hurdle performance from freshman Nolan Bien, who had a 14.87 time in the event, the 100th fastest in NCAA DII.

The meet kicks off the busiest week of the season for the Bulldogs, who will also have athletes at the Drake Relays today and Friday and at the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Saturday for the Dan Conway Classic.