The strong performances the Raiders displayed during the indoor track and field season carried over into the Wayne State Wildcat Classic on Mar. 27 and 28, the first competition of the outdoor campaign. Facing windy conditions, the Raiders claimed eight individual victories. Tierney Huss broke the meet record in the women’s 100m dash, and the men’s 200m school record was broken again by senior Braden Kalvelage.
“I was proud of the efforts of our Raiders in the windy conditions both days,” Coach Scott Bahrke said. “I expected our team to compete hard and feel like we did that.”
Addison Smith won the women’s high jump, marking 1.65 meters in a jump off against a Wayne State opponent. It was a personal best for the freshman and her third collegiate victory in the event.
“My goals going into the meet were to set a personal record and start the outdoor season off strong,” Smith said. She aims to keep improving throughout the season and qualify for the national championship in May. Regardless of the outcome, Smith is grateful for what the season has given her.
“My freshman season a a Raider has been transformational and has shown me the ways God has been working in my life,” Smith said. “The track team, especially the high jump crew, has been really welcoming and supportive of improving my high jump technique. I have enjoyed this season of track and field and can’t wait to see what the outdoor season brings.”
Another freshman looking to excel in the postseason is Kalarga Mukhtar, who took first place in the 400m hurdles and fourth in the 110m hurdles on Saturday.
“I think the meet went well, and I put some solid times down to start the year,” Mukhtar said. “My goal going into the meet was to get as close as I can to my times last year. Although it was a struggle with the wind and the hurdles getting higher, I was happy to run again and compete.”
After his record-breaking performance in Wayne, Braden Kalvelage is setting his sights on finishing his senior year on a high note.
“With my final outdoor season, I would love to hang a banner in the Bultman by winning a national title, but my main goal is to leave Northwestern Athletics with a lasting impact on the culture and team,” Kalvelage said.
The Raiders compete next at the USD Snooze Button Classic on Apr. 8 and the Sioux City Relays on Apr. 10 and 11.
