The UCA Track and Field Team returned to Topeka, Kansas, for the Washburn Open and Multis, and broke three more school records.
“Any time you can break three school records at a single meet during the season is just a great day for the program,” coach Josey Weaver said to UCA Sports. “Joelle Stewart, Aidan Patton, and Sara Steimel set the tone for the weekend and the rest of the team followed.”
On day one of the two-day meet, sophomore Aidan Patton broke the record for men’s weight throw, earning first place with a 20.61-meter throw. Patton originally broke this record with a 19.21-meter throw at the Washburn Ruster Buster on Feb. 2-3.
Senior Joelle Stewart placed sixth in the women’s weight throw with a throw of 17.21 meters, breaking a UCA record.
“It was a clear improvement from my last meet,” Stewart said. “Unfortunately, I was unable to compete in the shot put at the last Topeka meet due to an injury. So, my performance at this meet was a bit shocking.”
Weaver said the Washburn Open and Multis is a “high-caliber meet.”
“We use it as another tune-up for our ASUN championships,” coach Josey Weaver said. “I thought we took another step forward with our performance this weekend. We can always find areas to grow and get better, but I am pleased with our attitude and effort. I see our team growing closer each week.”
On the second day of the meet, senior Sara Steimel broke a UCA record in the women’s mile; Steimel won first place in the event with a time of 4:51.73.
Overall, the UCA track and field team had 37 top-10 finishes and 50 athletes achieved personal records.
“I am proud of myself for representing my school to my fullest potential,” Stewart said. “I am also extremely proud of the valiant efforts of my teammates in practice and showing up on the day of the competition. We constantly leave our mark, no matter the state.”
In the women’s distance medley event, the UCA team composed of Steimel, senior Anna Bommes, freshman Kayleigh Wagnon and sophomore Madeline Hill placed first with a time of 11:57.77.
Senior Kendelle McCoy placed first with a time of 7.65 in the women’s 60-meter dash qualifying round.
Weaver said this meet helped guide the team in setting goals for the ASUN championship.
“All of our regular season performances are tune-ups for that day,” Weaver said.
Stewart said her goal is to continue getting better in the women’s weight throw.
“I would like to improve my competitive mindset on the meet day,” Stewart said. “Hopefully, with that improvement, I would be able to be a more aggressive thrower, and that in turn would further my throws.”
Stewart said she is proud of all the UCA athletes who competed at the Washburn Open and Multis.
“Every team member brings a unique set of skills, dedication and camaraderie that collectively contribute to our success,” she said. “Together, we create a supportive and high-performing environment, making it difficult to highlight just one person when I take pride in the collective achievements of our entire team. One of our main pillars is Ubuntu, meaning humanity to others. I am who I am because they are who they are.”
The track and field team will head to the Gorilla Classic hosted by Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburgh, Kansas, on Feb. 9-10.
Updates on the track and field team can be found at ucasports.com or on Instagram, @ucaxctf.