Men’s and Women's track look to finish strong as they head into the conference meet

Ryan Tolkinen going airborne in the long jump. Photo by Drew Smith

The Bulldog Indoor Track and Field team has had a strong season so far and are now looking forward to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Indoor Track and Field Championship this upcoming weekend.

Since the beginning of the season, there have been numerous school records broken and a number of career times by these UMD athletes:

Luke Lahr broke the school record in the 5,000 meter event a couple weeks ago, finishing with a time of 14:39.71. He also notched a 4th place finish in the mile run with a personal best time of 4:15.89 at the Snowshoe Open last weekend on the University of Minnesota track.

Senior Captain Ryan Tolkinen also set a school record this season in the 200 meter hurdles with a time of 24.69, breaking the previous record he set at the same meet last year

Luke Lahr running at the St. Thomas Showcase. Photo by David Thune

Another athlete who has had an impressive season is Armani Carmickle who just recently finished in first in the long jump at the Snowshoe Open winning with a distance of 22’-1.75’’.

These are just some of the athletes that you want to keep an eye on this weekend.

“We are very excited about the conference meet and our team’s chances this year regarding overall place,” said freshman runner Cole Fechner.

Not only is the men’s team doing well, but the women’s team is having just as an impressive of a season.

Senior All-American Danielle Kohlwey has been tearing up the track this season in a number of events this season, but has been doing especially well in the 60-meter hurdles.

She finished with a first place time of 8.35 at the South Dakota State University Indoor Classic. This blazing time not only earned her the third fastest time in the nation for the 60-meter hurdles, but also earned her NSIC Indoor Track Athlete of the Week honors, her second award of the season.  

Both of the teams will head to Mankato this weekend in hopes to send some runners to the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championship .

“We have plenty of athletes on both teams who are capable of placing high in a variety of individual events,” said Fechner.

The meet is in Pittsburg, Kansas this year and will take place March 8-9.