Minnesota Masters Set to Take on the World

A dozen Minnesota masters athletes have made their way to California for the World Masters Athletics Championships which open today in Sacramento.

Kicking things off for the local contingent is ageless Ralph Maxwell -- 91-years-old, technically -- who will attempt to break the world record in the M90 decathlon. Maxwell, a part-time resident of Richville, Minensota, holds both the indoor and outdoor pentathlon world records, thanks to exceptional jump and hurdle performances.

The current M90 decathlon world record is 3190 points, according to USATF-Minnesota Masters Track and Field Chairman Tom Langenfeld.

Langenfeld generously provided DtB with the following listing of Minnesota athletes in the meet:

M40 – Lance Elliott, Edina – 800m (heats 7/8 and 7/9, finals 7/11); 1500m (heats 7/13. Finals 7/15).

F50 – Kathy Haubrich, Shakopee – 400m (heats 7/13 and 7/15, finals 7/16).

F50 – Susan Loyd, Edina – 100m (heats 7/8, finals 7/9); 200m (heats 7/11, finals 7/12).

F55 – Tweety Wolf, Watertown – 400m (heats 7/15, finals 7/16); 800m (heats 7/8 and 7/9, finals 7/11); 1500m (heats 7/13, finals 7/15).

M55 – Jim Schoffman, Fridley – 400m (heats 7/13 and 7/15, finals 7/16); 800m (heats 7/8 and 7/9, finals 7/11). Jim is also in the U.S. M55-59 4X400 relay pool.

M60 – Jim Sheehan, Ham Lake – 1500m (heats 7/13, finals 7/15).

M65 – Michael Burns, Milan – 100m hurdles (heats 7/15, finals 7/16); 300m hurdles (heats 7/9, finals 7/11).

M65 – Phil Rogosheske, St. Cloud – 5000m track race walk (7/7); 10,000m road race walk (7/12).

M70 – Thom Weddle, Burnsville – 1500m (heats 7/13, finals 7/15); 5000m (7/9); 10,000m (7/13).

M75 – Tom Langenfeld, Edina – high jump (7/11); triple jump (7/12).

M90 – Ralph Maxwell, Richville – decathlon (7/6-7).

In addition, Dick Mulkern, a former Minnesotan and long-time Hamline University throws coach now living in Iowa, is entered in the M85 discus.

Follow the World Masters Championship action HERE.