Simons Runs Sub-4

Junior John Simons ran the second sub-four minute mile in Minnesota men’s indoor track and field history on Saturday in the final day of competition at the Alex Wilson Invite in South Bend, IN. The Hartland, WI native finished first in his heat and third overall in 3:59.32 for the second –fastest performance in school history. Only Ben Blankenship’s time of 3:57.87 in 2010 ranks higher. Simons’ time ranks third in the Big Ten this season and 21st in the nation.

Simmons' performance followed a school record Friday night when Minnesota’s distance medley relay team of Harun Abda, Travis Burkstrand, Cameron Boy, and Nick Hutton finished fifth in 9:29.22.

A group of Gophers were in competition at the Iowa State University Qualifier in Ames, IA on Saturday. Justin Barber(67' 1.5".) and Micah Hegerle(67' .5") finished first and second, respectively, in the weight throw. Senior Sean King finished second in the 60 with a time of 6.78.

Gopher women  Alena Brooks, Kylie Peterson and Todea-Kay Willis all competed at the Alex Wilson last chance meet at Notre Dame this weekend in hopes of setting new season bests and improving their chances of getting a spot in next weekend's NCAA DI Championships.  While none did record a new top mark, there is still a chance of being invited to the NCAA Championships. The top 16 individuals who declare their intention of competing in an event will qualify. 

If competitors with better marks, possibly those who are eligible for multiple events, decline to compete, there could be an opportunity for the Maroon and Gold to be represented at the NCAA meet in Fayetteville, AK. Willis ranks 18th in the long jump after her school-record leap of 20' 7.75"(6.29m) at the Big Ten Championships. Alena Brooks (2:06.24) and Te’Shon Adderley (2:06.42) are 22nd and 25th, respectively, in the 800 meters. Accepted entries will be announced Monday, March 4.Full Alex Wilson Invite results are HERE; Results from the Iowa State U Qualifier are HERE.