Maxwell, Hauger Named Athletes of the Month

Masters track and field phenomenon Ralph Maxwell and prep distance star Maria Hauger have been named USATF Minnesota's Athletes of the Month for August, the organization announced yesterday.

Maxwell, a 91-year-old who splits his time between Richville, Minnesota and Alamo, Texas, is honored for setting a new age-group world record in the decathlon for athletes over 90-years-old at the World Masters Track & Field Championships held in Sacramento, California last month. Maxwell scored 7069 points in the two-day, ten-event contest, overwhelming the previous world record of 3190 points set by Australia's Vic younger in 2003.

On the first day of competition, Maxwell ran 19.69 seconds in the 100-meters, long jumped 8-7 1/2, put the shot 20-3, cleared 3-4 1/2 in the high jump, and ran 1:49.24 in the 400-meters. On day two, Maxwell ran a 21.62 in the 80-meter hurdles, threw the discus 45-10, pole vaulted 4-7, marked a javelin throw of 60-0, and ran 11:30.51 in the 1500-meters.

Hauger, who will be a junior at Shakopee High School this fall, is recognized for winning the national title at 3000-meters in the Young Women's division of the USATF Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships held in Wichita, Kansas last month. Hauger clocked 10:09.96 to win the event by 30 seconds.

Find a comprehensive listing of USATF- Minnesota Athletes of the Month HERE.