MIAC Athletes of the Week

Women's Outdoor Co-Track Athletes of the Week
Carleton College sophomore Simone Childs-Walker won the 5K at the Hamline Invitational in 17:07.98. University of St. Thomas senior Kelly Russ won the 800 meters. Childs-Walker’s time is the best in the MIAC and is fifth on the national performance list. Russ’s time of 2:13.34 is a NCAA provisional qualifier that ranks third in Division III.

Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
Concordia College junior Katherine Brott was first in the javelin with a throw of 38.72 meters (127-0 ft) while competing against NCAA DI, DII, and NAIA schools at the NDSU Bison Open. Her performance is currently the top mark in the MIAC.

Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Bethel University senior Taylor Ferda won both hurdle events at the Falcon Invitational at UW-River Falls on Saturday. He won the 110 hurdles in 14.87 and the 400 hurdles in 53.81. Both times are NCAA provisional marks.

Men's Outdoor Co-Field Athletes of the Week
Saint Mary's University junior Andrew Brueggen won the hammer throw at Gustavus' Lee Krough Invitational on Saturday with a toss of 55.19 meters. Brueggen's school-record throw ranks him eighth in Division III. He also placed 10th in the shot put at 36.35 meters.

St. Olaf College senior John Schantzen won the shot put title at the UW-River Falls' Falcon Invitational on Saturday with a toss of 16.55 meters. The 2010 NCAA Indoor Shot Put Champion, Schantzen now ranks eighth in Division III.

News and Notes from last week

We'll lead with academics as it was announced last week that St. Thomas grad, Katie Theisen is one of six finalists for a $24,000 Walter Byers postgraduate scholarship. Three men and three women have been selected as finalists. Thesen is the only track athlete in the group, all the others are Division I athletes.

A native of Elko, Theisen graduated with a 4.00 gpa in biology from St Thomas. An NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient, a Goldwater Scholar, and a two-time first-team CoSIDA Academic All-American, Theisen was also named College Sporting News' Senior Female Student-Athlete of the Year from the MIAC -- a honor also bestowed on her older brother, 2008 UST graduate P.J. Theisen.

Theisen was a six-time All-American, including an NCAA runner-up placing in the steeplechase last May in a conference record time of 10:27. She anchored UST's distance medley relay to runner-up NCAA indoor finishes in 2008 and 2009. She also anchored that quartet to first place at the 2009 Drake Relays -- the conference's first relays win at Drake in 77 years. In her four NCAA cross country championship races, she improved each year from 71st to 36th to 20th to 13th place.

Theisen, who is headed to medical school at the University of Minnesota, helped the Toms win 11 of a possible 12 MIAC team titles in CC, indoor and outdoor track. She contributed to 263 team points in eight career conference track and field meets, and was a four-time All-MIAC honoree in cross country. She was a nine-time MIAC Athlete of the Week in her three sports. Last summer, Theisen was named one of 10 national semifinalists in Division III for the 2009 NCAA Woman of the Year award.

On the track last weekend: University of Minnesota Junior, Ben Peterson, won the open pole vault title at Arizona State’s Sun Angel Classic in Tempe, AZ, on Saturday. Peterson cleared 17 feet, 3 inches, for his third straight victory of the 2010 outdoor season.

The Gophers Chris Rombough was fourth in the 1,500 meters in 3:44.49. Andy Richardson finished seventh seventh in 3:46.21. Harun Abda placed seventh in the 800-meter run in 1:48.96, then anchored the Gophers’ 4x400-meter relay to a fourth-place finish, season-best time of 3:09.25. On the relay with Abda were John Holton, Logan Stroman, and David Pachuta. Redshirt freshman Micah Hegerle finished fifth in the Sun Angel hammer throw with a toss of 198-8. On Friday, Hegerle won the hammer title at the Mesa Classic with a toss of 197-2. Trey Davis topped the U of M men's performances in the other open events. He was second in the shot put with a throw of 54-10. Travis Burkstrand was fourth (1:50.85) and Pachuta sixth (1:50.99) in the open 800 meters.

In the women's events in Arizone, Senior Megan Duwell broke her own Minnesota school record in the 5,000-meter run, placing second overall, the first collegian, in 16:04.55. Junior Samantha Sonnenberg captured the lone first-place finish for the Gophers at the meet, winning the pole vault with a career-high of 13 feet, 6 1/4 inches, which ranks her No. 2 on the Minnesota all-time list in the event.

Gabriele Anderson placed seventh in the 1,500-meter race with a career-best time of 4:20.56, the fifth-fastest time in Gopher history. Elizabeth Yetzer and Nikki Swenson placed third and fourth, respectively, in another 1,500-meter section. Yetzer posted a time of 4:23.14, while Swenson ran a career-best and all-time No. 9 time of 4:24.34.

The U of M teams split with some team members competing at the Hamline Invitational. The men won six individual titles, led by sophomore Sean King, who won the 100 in a career-best time of 10.62 seconds. Freshman Cameron Boy won the 200in 21.51 seconds after placing third in the 100 meters in 10.98. Another freshman, Oladipo Fagbemi, won the triple jump with a leap of 47-11 1/4, and was second in the 200in 21.61.
Other Gophers winning events were Sean Duling in the 110-meter hurdles (14.78), Matt Clauer in the high jump (6-8) and Paul Hoplin in the javelin (190-10).

For the women, DeAnne Hahn won the hammer throw with a personal-best toss of 192 feet, third best mark in Golden Gopher history.Two other Gopher women also won: Caty Dongoske won the shot put(42-4 1/4). Emily Betz triumphed in the javelin(134-7). Nikki Tzanakis placed second in the discus(160 feet).

Host team Hamline had three athletes who posted NCAA provisional qualifying marks: Ben Johnson (So, Roseville) was second to a Gopher competitor in the triple jump with an NCAA provisional leap of 14.44 meters (47-4 ½). In the throws, Derall King (Jr, Inver Grove Heights) was second to an unattached athlete in the shot put with an NCAA provisional put of 16.03 meters (52-7 ¼). Brennan McKeag (So, Lakeville) was third at 15.23 meters (49-11 ¾). In the sprints, Tyson Molitor (Jr, Belgrade) won the 400in 48.69. Ian Campbell (So, Blooming Prairie) won the 1500 in 3:55.35.

University of St. Thomas junior Matt Griswold won the 400 hurdles in an NCAA provisional qualifying mark of 54.05 and was second in the 110 hurdles in 14.97. For the Tommie women, Senior Nikki Arola had a hand in four top-two placings as the team had five NCAA provisional qualifying performances.In all UST had 11 top-two finishes.

In the 800, Kelly Russ was first in 2:13.34,an NCAA provo time, and fellow senior Erin Sprangers was second in 2:14.01 to improve her previous provo qualifying mark. Senior Megan Honan took second in the hammer in 159-8 and improved her previous NCAA provo qualifying mark. UST won both relays in NCAA provo times. In the 4x100, seniors Laura Janas, Arola and Molly Demmer and junior Jenna Ewing clocked 48.61. In the 4x400, Demmer, Sprangers, Russ and Arola clocked 3:54.25. Arola also won the 100 meters in 12.56. She also ran the 400 hurdles for the first time in three seasons and took second in 65.00. Janas won the 100 Hurdles in 15.79, and Demmer took second in the 400 meters in 59.24.

Up north at the North Dakota Open, the wind was blowing as North Dakota State sophomore Kevin Jackson won both the 100 meters and the 200 meters. Jackson won the 200 in a personal best time of 21.34, which is seventh on the NDSU all-time performance charts. His 100 meter time was 10.89. In the 110 meter hurdles, sophomore Weston Leutz claimed the title in a time of 14.44. Jackson was third in 14.77. Redshirt freshman Casey Orgon won the shot put with a personal best throw of 48-10 ¾. In the high jump, sophomore Jeramy Geditz took first with a leap of 6-6. Freshman Moses Heppner won the 800 meters in 1:54.33. Redshirt freshman Dan Merritt was second in 1:56.06. In the pole vault, junior Joe Bredahl finished first with a mark of 15-7. Sophomore Nolan Berg was second with a leap of 15-1. Junior Sam Soholt claimed the discus title with a mark of 152-1. Senior Scott Johnson was second with a throw of 147-6. Johnson was also second in the javelin with a mark of 167-9.

Short-Cut: Results' Links for April 9-11

Here's the latest action from the weekend ...

Friday:
Sun Angel Classic: Results * Video
Mesa Classic: Results

Saturday:
Fetzer Memorial 20K: Results
Sun Angel Classic: Results * Video
Hamline Invitational: Results
Lee Krough Invitational: Results
Bison Open: Results


Sunday:
Fool's Five: Results
St. John's Decathlon: Results

Yes/No: Will King Throw 54 -Feet or Further?

There are collegiate track meets on every corner during April weekends in Minnesota. This week, Hamline University will host a meet on Saturday with many of the area teams. The Hamline men are fresh off an exceptional indoor season where they gave the St. Thomas juggernaut a scare at the MIAC Indoor Championships.

Much of the strength of the Pipers comes from the broad shoulders of the their throwing squad. Led by All-American Derall King, Hamline held 5 of the top 9 places in both the MIAC indoor shot put and weight throw. How will King do at his home meet? Let us know what you think...

Y/N: Will Derall King throw 54 feet or further in the shot put at the Hamline Invite Saturday?

Derall King is a three-time All-American - twice in the shot put and once in the weight throw. King threw as far as 57-7 indoors in the shot put and finished seventh at Nationals with a throw of 54-2. The All-State thrower from Henry Sibley started his 2010 outdoor campaign with a throw of 52-11. King will have plenty of competition at the meet, not only from his Hamline teammates but also (especially) from Gophers - including Aaron Studt, the best collegiate thrower in the state.

To play our game, simply type "yes" or "no" into the subject line of an e-mail and send it to us at DtBFantasy [AT] gmail [DOT] com before 12:00 P.M. CST, Saturday, April 10th. Please put your answer in the subject line of the e-mail and make sure your full name appears somewhere in the e-mail. We will continue to offer a bonus for participants making their debut in Yes/No - a correct answer will be worth two points for any first-time players.

My answer: Yes

Last week's question regarding Gopher pole vaulters proved very difficult - only seven contestants answered correctly. One of these successes came from overall leader, Toby Hatlevig, who extended his lead with an eighth straight correct answer.

For all the results, please visit DtBFantasy Corner.

Good luck and thanks for playing Yes/No on DtB!

Girls' All-Time Lists: 300 Meter Hurdles

Here's the final installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performances. We're wrapping up with the 300 meter hurdles.

You can see the full set of Minnesota girls' all-time best from the track HERE.

The lists only include performances made during the "regular season" of Minnesota track and field -- i.e., performances in meets up to and including the MSHSL State Meet. As of now, the collection of lists doesn't include field events or relays. Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us


300 meter hurdles

Liesa Brateng Roseau 42.62 1987
Gina Perich Esko 42.81 1995
Gina Dare Apple Valley 43.09 2004
Lisa Ristau Farimont 43.39 1988
Mikeala Raddatz Eastview 43.47 2003
Melissa Steele Eden Prairie 43.47 2001
Jenna Severson Spring Lake Park 43.56 2008
Rebekah Kok Anoka 43.68 2003
Anna Ratzloff Little Falls 43.77 1991
Kristi Dean Fridley 43.82 1991
[10]
Alison Gamache Mounds View 43.82 2005
Sarah Menden Eden Prairie 43.85 2000
Brooke Bredenberg Champlin Park 43.98 2001
Brigitte Stuewe Norwood Y-America 44.12 1988
Ekene Obi Cretin Derham Hall 44.18 2005
Katie Drentlaw Prior Lake 44.29 1997
Kendra Mooberry Benson 44.37 2009
Bree Woelber Pipestone Area 44.37 2009
Luanne Sorrell St. Francis 44.4 1991
Taryn Simmons Bloomington Kennedy 44.44 2007
[20]
Molly Bauman Coon Rapids 44.48 2002
Ellen Graef SSC 44.6 2000
Andi Noel Stephen Argyle 44.61 1996
Holly Hargroder Stillwater 44.62 1991
Jill Steinbach Wayzata 44.62 2003
Katie Bestul Coon Rapids 44.66 1996
Ashley Williams Chaska 44.66 2001
Jennifer Becker Eden Valley Watkins 44.78 2005
Caitlin Lynch Eastview 44.79 2003
Trend Fields Brainerd 44.82 1988
[30]
Rena Kneeland New Prague 44.82 2009
Abby Lien St. Cloud Cathedral 44.83 2004
Megan Rasmussen Kasson Mantorville 44.84 2006
Katlyn Sawtelle Luverne 44.84 2009
Kaitlyn Dunsmore Minnetonka 44.86 2008
Gretchen Otto Rochester Lourdes 44.86 1985
Dianne May Eden Prairie 44.89 1986
Swen Minnema Mankato West 44.91 1991
Amy Docherty Roseville 44.92 1991
Holly Manthei Burnsville 44.94 1993
[40]
Katie Newgard Pipestone Area 44.94 2004
Andrea Shamp Totino Grace 44.95 2004
Niki Saiko Roseville 44.99 1991
Caitlin Winey Burnsville 44.99 2004
Caitlin Lynch Eastview 45 2005
Alison Foley Hastings 45.01 2002
Greta Bauer Sauk Rapids 45.04 1999
Bethany Murray Mankato West 45.04 2009
Kelsey King Burnsville 45.05 2007
Janelle White Burnsville 45.06 1993
[50]
Elena Swan St. Paul Central 45.07 1994
Chere Fuchs Anoka 45.09 1996
Jessica Keesling White Bear Lake 45.09 2009
Carmen Lundell Breck 45.09 2008
Brook Divine Austin 45.1 1993
Carrie Stuart Blaine 45.11 1998
Kay Fuller Bertha Hewitt 45.13 1993
Brenda Braunn Moorhead 45.14 1985
Tara Croteau Mesabi East 45.14 1996
Amy Hansen Bloomington Jefferson 45.15 1986
[60]
Hallie Wollner Mound Westonka 45.15 2009
Kris DeRuyck Balaton 45.16 1996
Carrie Edmunds Lakeville South 45.16 2007
Kayla Sawtell Mounds View 45.16 2009
Meghan Dybvig Burnsville 45.18 2001
Katie Shelander Roseville Area 45.19 2006
Sammy Laatsch Lakeville South 45.2 2003
Heidi Lundervold Woodbury 45.2 1994
Jessica Butler Grand Rapids 45.21 2007
Tricia Bates Staples 45.22 1988
[70]
Camille Norman Mpls Washburn 45.23 2003
Tonya Paulson Waconia 45.24 1993
Kelly Schoberg Plainview 45.24 1992
Nikki Schultz Cedar Mountain 45.24 2005
Ciara Christenson USC/AC 45.25 2009
Amy Dombrovski Holdingford 45.28 1999
Lisa Ingvalson Blooming Prairie 45.28 2002
Katie Lien Blaine 45.28 2003
Becky Peterson Robbinsdale Armstrong 45.28 2000
Becca Lee Dover Eyota 45.3 2007
[80]
Chris Carlson Anoka 45.31 1987
Letitia Dusich Ely 45.45 1999
Sarah Oftedahl South St. Paul 45.47 1997
Madison Smith Brainerd 45.47 2009
Cathy Stehr Zumbrot Mazeppa 45.47 1989
Heather Runquist Walker 45.49 1988
Liz Goergen Eastview 45.5 2000
Staci Beckel Waseca 45.52 2005
Melissa Kuebler New Ulm 45.52 2005
Rebecca Rhodes Northfield 45.54 1985
[90]
Laura Weber Eden Prairie 45.56 2008
Sonja Glumich Moorhead 45.57 1992
Jenny Gordhamer Lakeville 45.58 1996
Michelle Depa St. Cloud Cathedral 45.6 1992
Nikola Holmes Apple Valley 45.6 1999
Jennifer Plaetz Wabasso 45.6 2008
Denise Rotter St. Bernards 45.6 1989
Alyssa Johnson Mpls Henry 45.61 2001
Kim Lieder Eastview 45.61 2007
Lindsay Oman Benilde St. Margarets 45.61 2002
[100]

Gophers: Another Weekend in the Sun

For the third weekend in a row, the University of Minnesota track and field squads will compete in the sunny warmth of the southern U.S. The Gopher men and women will both participate in Arizona State's Sun Angel Classic in Tempe this weekend.

The Gopher men are making their third appearance in the Arizona desert this season, having competed in Tucson and Tempe on previous weekends. The Gopher women have competed in South Carolina and Tucson already this season.

The weekend preview for the Gopher men is HERE, the preview for the women is HERE.

The Sun Angel Classic will have video coverage from Flotrack, HERE.

Gophers Ranked #21 and #49 ... The Gopher men and women are ranked #21 and #49, respectively in this week's NCAA rankings. The Gopher men are the top-ranked Big Ten team in the rankings; the Gopher women are 4th in the Big Ten pecking order, according to the rankings.

Find the full rankings HERE.

Brooks Earns Silvers for Trinidad & Tobago ... Gopher freshman Alena Brooks captured two silver medals representing her native Trinidad & Tobago in the Carifta Games last weekend in George Town, Cayman Islands.

Brooks ran 2:08.97 for second place in the 800 meters at the meet. She also anchored her nation's 4 x 400-meter relay team in 3:37.32 for a second silver medal.

Brooks, runner-up at 600 meters at the Big Ten Indoor Championships this year, also competed in the 400-meter dash, finishing fourth in a time of 54.83 seconds.

KARE 11 Features Trey Davis ... KARE 11 ran a feature on Gopher thrower Trey Davis last night. You can watch the video HERE. Davis, a Farmington High School alum, recently decided to leave the Gopher football program in order to concentrate on track and field.

Girls' All-Time Lists: 100 Meter Hurdles

Here's the 100 meter hurdles installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performances.

The lists only include performances made during the "regular season" of Minnesota track and field -- i.e., performances in meets up to and including the MSHSL State Meet. Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us

100 Meter Hurdles

Heidi Lundervold Woodbury 14.35 1994
Chiamaka Okonkwo Osseo 14.44 2009
Lisa Ristau Farimont 14.5 1988
Anna Ratzloff Little Falls 14.54 1990
Arika Sanders Tracy Milroy 14.54 1994
Kayla Sawtell Mounds View 14.57 2008
Trend Fields Brainerd 14.59 1988
Caitlin Roemhildt Minnetonka 14.6 2004
Alyssa Johnson Mpls Henry 14.61 2003
Alison Gamache Mounds View 14.63 2005
[10]
Katy Fawbush Robbinsdale Armstrong 14.64 1992
Jacenta Spandl Moorhead 14.65 2001
Danielle Simmons St. Paul Central 14.66 1998
Kerri Newgard Pipestone Jasper 14.67 1994
Sara Grineski Moorhead 14.68 1997
Holly Janson Bemidji 14.69 1995
Laura Pace Pillager 14.69 2005
Sarah Menden Eden Prairie 14.7 2001
Kelly Stalpes Wayzata 14.7 2006
Amee Wiseth Park Cottage Grove 14.7 1987
[20]
Jessica January Richfield 14.71 2009
Kelly Schoberg Plainview 14.71 1993
Greta Bauer Sauk Rapids 14.73 1999
Kim Lieder Eastview 14.74 2008
Emily Stalpes Wayzata 14.75 2008
Alicia Rue Robbinsdale Armstrong 14.77 2006
Kara Hedin Dassel Cokato 14.78 1996
Sasha Gangl Elk River 14.79 2005
Melissa Steele Eden Prairie 14.8 2001
Lynn Frauendienst Crosby Ironton 14.81 1986
[30]
Gina Perich Esko 14.81 1995
Lueanne Sorrell St. Francis 14.83 1990
Brenda Braun Moorhead 14.84 1985
Martha Harris Bryon 14.84 1990
Tanya Hensch Fergus Falls 14.84 2003
Nikola Holmes Apple Valley 14.85 1997
Kelli West Hibbing 14.85 1987
Jenna Severson Spring Lake Park 14.87 2008
Gina Perich Esko 14.88 1994
Cheryl Henderson Wayzata 14.91 1987
[40]
Jessica Butler Grand Rapids 14.93 2007
Colleena Coleman Robbinsdale Cooper 14.93 2009
Jessica Keesling White Bear Lake 14.93 2009
Staci Beckel Waseca 14.94 2005
Katie Bestul Coon Rapids 14.94 1996
Kristi Dean Fridley 14.94 1987
Janene Gruetzmacher Shakopee 14.94 1988
Tammy Leur Wayzata 14.94 1998
Swen Minnema Mankato West 14.94 1992
Mindy Sutter Moorhead 14.94 1985
[50]
Biz Zimney St. Louis Park 14.94 1988
Katie Drentlaw Prior Lake 14.95 1997
Kathy Gebke White Bear Lake 14.95 1985
Mandy Kirtz Mound Westonka 14.95 1992
Rachelle Dosch Anoka 14.96 2003
Missy Schultz Wells Easton 14.96 1986
Shelby Eykyn Worthington 14.97 2002
Madison Smith Brainerd 14.98 2008
Caitllin Winey Burnsville 14.98 2005
Brenda Janisch Coon Rapids 14.99 1985
[60]
Sammy Laatsch Lakeville 15 2003
Kati Newgard Pipestone Jasper 15.00 2003
Patti Woods Blaine 15.00 2006
Gretchen Otto Rochester Lourdes 15.01 1985
Rianna Avery Park Center 15.02 1998
Skyler Kroschel Stillwater 15.02 2007
Kelsi Ring Brainerd 15.02 2009
Emily Coborn St. Cloud Cathedral 15.03 2002
Jenny Ojiaku Park Center 15.03 2003
Janelle White Coon Rapids 15.03 1994
[70]
Amy Anderson Alexandria 15.04 2003
Rachel Fashant Eastview 15.04 2007
Kristin Hille Sauk Rapids 15.04 2004
Stefani Kelly Faribault 15.04 1993
Jill Cattrysse Irondale 15.05 1998
Holly Smith Burnsville 15.05 1989
Jennifer Albers Coon Rapids 15.06 2000
Alex Andrews Triton 15.06 2005
Jennifer Hale Concordia Academy 15.06 1992
Patti Woods Blaine 15.06 2005
[80]
Shannon Sorensen Eagan 15.07 1998
Sarah Ofedahl South St. Paul 15.08 1997
Nicole Hayes Red Wing 15.1 2001
Melanie Hoheisel Greenway 15.1 1999
Brigette Stuewe Norwood Y-America 15.1 1988
Bree Woelber Pipestone Jasper 15.1 2009
Erin Zempel Westbook 15.11 2001
Laura Weber Eden Prairie 15.13 2008
Kay Fuller Bertha Hewitt 15.14 1993
Liz Goergen Eastview 15.14 2001
[90]
Tracee Wolff Rocori 15.14 1985
Lisa Dixon Mpls North 15.15 1985
Erin Nygaard Coon Rapids 15.15 1993
Mikaela Raddatz Eastview 15.16 2003
Lindsay Oman Benilde St. Margarets 15.17 2003
Carey Erpelding St. Cloud Cathedral 15.18 1991
Laura Weber Eden Prairie 15.18 2007
Karen Burtzel Mankato Loyola 15.2 1985
Melissa Cummins Janesville 15.2 2002
Sheana Grigsby Breck 15.2 2002
[100]
Jenna Malinen Roseville 15.2 2008
Molly Miller Stillwater 15.2 1999
Becky Smith Renville 15.2 2002
Katrina Stewart Brooklyn Center 15.2 1996

TCM Renews with Team USA until 2012

Twin Cities in Motion, the organizers of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and other events, has signed a three-year agreement with Team USA Minnesota, pledging continued support of the elite, post-collegiate training group through the next Olympics.

Team USA Minnesota announced the partnership today.

TCM extended its the silver level sponsorship through 2012. The organization has been a Team USA Minnesota sponsor since the training group was formed in 2001, but this agreement marks the first time a three-year arrangement has been signed.

"We are proud to continue our support of Team USA Minnesota," Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director of Twin Cities In Motion said in a Team USA media release. "This program's success has been a great model for other training centers. The resurgence and success among American distance runners is due in part to the efforts of the many athletes who have participated in this training program."

Since it was formed in 2001, Team USA Minnesota has developed an Olympian (Carrie Tollefson) and 12 national champions in events ranging from 1500 meters on the track to the marathon. Current team members include Jason Lehmkuhle, Matt Gabrielson, Antonio Vega, Josh Moen, Patrick Smyth, Katie McGregor, Kristen Nicolini, Michelle Frey, Emily Brown, Meghan Armstrong and Heather Dorniden.

The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker.

"We truly appreciate the extension of the Twin Cities In Motion sponsorship which takes our team up through the next Olympic cycle in 2012," Pat Goodwin, Team USA Minnesota founder and president said. "This long-standing partnership has been to the benefit of American distance running and in particular to our local training center for distance runners. The security of this funding, along with our other sponsorships and grants, will enable us to add at least three athletes to our team this summer."

In 2010, the TCM's 1 Mile event will host the USA Men's and Women's 1 Mile Road Championships on May 13. In October, the Medtronic TC 10 mile will host the USA Women's 10 Mile Championship, while the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon will serve as the USA Men's Marathon Championship and USA Men's and Women's Masters Marathon Championships.

2010 High School Throws Preview

A tame Minnesota spring should lead to some big performances in the throws this season in the Minnesota high school ranks. The 2010 season may go down as one of the best seasons for the shot put in the history of Minnesota.

Even with the graduation all-time greats Jessica Cagle (Grand Rapids), Casey Dehn (Owatonna), and Sean Wallace (Owatonna) there are many returners from last season's State Meet who should make 2010 memorable.

Red Wing Junior Luke Johnson is already the 20th-best shot putter all-time in Minnesota. His marks from 2009 (60-9 3/4 shot, 173-2 discus) are each the second farthest recorded marks by a sophomore, behind the state's all-time record holder in shot put, Nate Englin, and top-throwing sophomore discus thrower, Mike Yonkey.

Johnson will likely have company over the 60-foot line this season. South Dakota State Football recruit and Blaine standout, Dijon Starr (58- 7 1/2) and Logan Hussung of Farmington (56-4 1/2) are among the leading contenders.

On the girls' side, future Gopher, Kim Hovey (Red Wing) is the returning state champion in the Class AA shot put and is looking to capture her first discus title. Hovey will face stiff competition in the discus circle from St. Francis freshmen, Maggie Ewen (135-0), and New Prague junior Elly Reinke (135-8).

Some not-so-under the radar names to watch in 2010 include:

Eden Prairie senior, Tyler Kubler, whose lone indoor performance (56-7) ranks him 43rd nationally is already 4 feet farther than his top mark of 2009 is proving why he's one of the most highly recruited throwers in the Midwest.

Owatonna, who has claimed 4 of the last 6 Class AA throws titles returns Jake Fensky (Junior) as their top thrower. Owatonna has not had a problem replacing top talent over the last few years.

Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony junior, Jesse Reemtsma is the #2 returning discus thrower (170-1).

Last season, sophomores Bryce Johnson (Champlin Park) and Thomas Anderson (Andover) had the 4th and 5th best marks in the shot by freshmen all-time in Minnesota. Don't be surprised if one, or both, put up some monster marks this season. These two should be very fun to watch over the next three years.

Tollefson: Changed Life, Unchanged Passion

New mother Carrie Tollefson expects a changed life but unchanged passion for her sport after the birth of a daughter last Thursday.

Tollefson (pictured with her husband Charlie Peterson and their daughter Ruby Anne Peterson) told Running USA Wire's Kristine Smith shortly before her delivery that pregnancy has rejuvenated her mentally, after some difficult years for the 2004 Olympian.

You can read Smith Running USA Wire piece HERE.

Photo courtesy of Carrie Tollefson.

Dulian Headlines Gopher Recruits

Blayne Dulian, the reigning MSHSL Class AA 1600m champion from Coon Rapids, headlines this year's University of Minnesota men's track and cross country recruiting class.

Late last week, the Gophers announced that Dulian; Logan Hussung of Farmington; John Luterbach of Wales, Wisconsin; Marcus Paulson of Sussex, Wisconsin; and Daniel Schiller of Mequon, Wisconsin had signed letters of intent with the program.

“This is a talented class we have coming in,” Gopher coach Steve Plasencia said in a media release. “We continue to build an exciting tradition in our track and cross country program here at Minnesota. These talented young men will be fun to watch as they become solid performers for the Golden Gophers.”

Dulian won his rain-soaked 1600m title in 4:16.56 last year, and finished ninth overall in the cross country state meet last fall.

Hussung, a thrower for Farmington High School, placed 3rd in the discus and seventh in the shot put at the Minnesota Class AA Championships last spring.

Luterbach, a distance runner from Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, won the Wisconsin Division 2 individual cross country title in 15:46.3. On the track, Luterbach won both the 1,600-meter (4:21.68) and 3,200-meter (9:35.24) runs at the state meet last season.

Paulson, of Sussen Hamilton High School, captured the 2009 Wisconsin Division 1 cross country crown covering the 5-kilometer course in a time of 15:41.0. Paulson was fifth overall in the meet as a junior. On the track, Paulson earned all-state honors in 2009 in the 1,600-meter run.

Schiller, a high jumper from Homestead High School, was third at the Wisconsin Division 1 state meet as a junior and second as a sophomore. Schiller as cleared a personal best of 6-9 in his high school career.

Short-Cut: Results' Links for April 2-4

Here are links to the Easter weekend action ...

Saturday:
Jim Click Shootout: Results * Men's Recap * Women's Recap
Update: Abda sets frosh record with 1:49.34 win
Update: Tzanakis wins discus in 166-8
Central Invitational: Results
Update: Place wins 10,000 in 35:49.33
Crescent City Classic: Results
Update: Vega 7th in 29:47, Lehmkuhle 9th in 29:48
Ron Daws 25K: Results

Carrie and Charlie Welcome a New Family Member

Carrie Tollefson and husband Charlie Peterson welcomed a daughter, Ruby Anne Peterson, into the world on Thursday.

There a short item on the birth, HERE, from the West Central Tribune.

Yes/No: A Gopher Woman Over 14 Feet?

While the weather in Minnesota felt like Arizona's this week, the Gophers track teams will get to experience the real thing. The men and women will participate in the Jim Click Shootout hosted by the University of Arizona in Tucson on Saturday. Other squads competing in the meet include Cal, Nebraska, Kansas State, and hosts Arizona.

The Gopher women boast two All-American pole vaulters making their outdoor debut in 2010 at Jim Click. How high will they jump?

Y/N: Will a Gopher women's pole vaulter jump 14 feet or higher at the Jim Click Shootout on Saturday?

Alicia Rue is a three-time All-American and school record holder indoors and outdoors. In 2010, Rue has vaulted over 14 feet four times indoors. Her lifetime bests include a 14-4 1/2 indoor jump and 14-3 1/4 outdoors. At the 2010 NCAA indoor national meet, however, Rue no-heighted.

Samantha Sonnenberg broke through in the pole vault this year indoors. Already a top vaulter - she took the next step and vaulted 14-1 1/4 at the national meet achieving All-American status. The national meet was the first 14 foot vault in Sonnenberg's career.

To play our game, simply type "yes" or "no" into the subject line of an e-mail and send it to us at DtBFantasy [AT] gmail [DOT] com before 1:30 P.M. CST, Saturday, April 3rd. Please put your answer in the subject line of the e-mail and make sure your full name appears somewhere in the e-mail. We will continue to offer a bonus for participants making their debut in Yes/No - a correct answer will be worth two points for any first-time players.

My answer: Yes

Last week's question was "Will a Team USA Minnesota runner finish in the top 35 at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Poland on Sunday?" The answer was no, but by the slimmest of margins; Patrick Smyth finished 36th and Emily Brown was 41st.

Twenty contestants answered correctly and there are now only two looking down from the Yes/No top spot. Toby Hatlevig and Chad Bjugan share first place with 8 points. The monthly winners included three contestants who all were perfect in March: Toby Hatlevig, Chad Bjugan and Rachel Karel.

To see these results, please visit DtBFantasy Corner.

Good luck and thanks for playing Yes/No on DtB!

Girls' All-Time Lists: 100 Meters

Here's the 100 meter installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performances.

The lists only include performances made during the "regular season" of Minnesota track and field -- i.e., performances in meets up to and including the MSHSL State Meet. Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us


100 meters

Heather Van Norman Windom 11.73 1986
Kylie Peterson Apple Valley 11.79 2008
Kadeshia Fortune Mpls Washburn 11.88 2003
Denitria Nichols Owatonna 11.88 2007
Vanessa Clarida Bloomington Kennedy 11.93 2002
Jessica Mittelstadt Mankato West 11.94 2000
Jaylene Gerenz Rosemount 11.96 1988
Paige Kuplic Prior Lake 12.01 2009
Shai Nichols Owatonna 12.02 2007
Tammy Robertson Osseo 12.06 1990
[10]
Toni Lawshea St. Paul Arlington 12.06 1998
Kim Troung Apple Valley 12.07 2004
Amber James Woodbury 12.08 2000
Ashley Tingelstad East Grand Forks 12.08 2009
Katie Dosch Rochester John Marshall 12.09 2001
Jennifer Bell Bloomington Lincoln 12.11 1982
Nicole Ryan Apple Valley 12.11 1995
Lisa Conteh Moorhead 12.12 1998
Karolina Haraldsdottir Rochester Mayo 12.13 2004
Caitlin Dhein St. Cloud Tech 12.13 2007
[20]
Tamara Webb Roseville 12.14 1988
Becky Schwartz Red Wing 12.14 1989
Megan Sartor Faribault 12.14 2001
Kelsey Conrad Robbinsdale Cooper 12.14 2006
Sid'reshia Floyd Robbinsdale Armstrong 12.14 2009
Stormy Nesbit Park Center 12.14 2009
Liesa Brateng Roseau 12.15 1987
Kristin Mulrooney Visitation 12.15 1987
Carolyn Kruse St. Croix Luthern 12.15 1988
Erica Rhodes Mpls Edison 12.17 2003
[30]
Zoraa Quoie Woodbury 12.17 2003
Sharon Kunz Fergus Falls 12.18 1982
Sasha Davis Park Center 12.18 2009
Kaitlyn Seberson Waseca 12.18 2009
Tracy Eckert Cretin Derham Hall 12.19 1995
Deborah Cordner St. Louis Park 12.19 1998
Antonette Tanoe Hopkins 12.19 2007
Tonnisha Bell Mpls Washburn 12.20 2002
Sade Pollard St. Paul Harding 12.21 2007
Jada Narveson Lakeville South 12.22 2007
[40]
Quina Davis Mpls Henry 12.23 1990
Jerry Domes Albert Lea 12.24 1980
Rosalyn Smaller S.t Paul Central 12.24 1981
Teresa Nelson Spring Lake Park 12.24 1984
Karla Stromme Bryon 12.24 1990
Cara Vetter Redwood Falls 12.24 1990
Alycia Ashburn MACCRAY 12.24 1992
Jordan Ojanpa Mankato East 12.24 1997
Majik Reed DeLaSalle 12.24 1999
Bobbi Jo Buyck Tracy Milroy Balaton 12.24 2004
[50]
Amanda Beckman Eastview 12.24 2009
Megan Geyen Watertown Mayer 12.24 2009
Joy Krekelberg Pelican Rapids 12.25 1996
Alex McCannel Delano 12.25 2003
Amy Knudson Mankato East 12.25 2005
Alex Beckman Eastview 12.26 2008
Kyndal Hargrow Blake 12.27 2003
Ann Kiecker Coon Rapids 12.28 1985
Charlene Butler Bertha Hewitt Verndale 12.28 1996
Julia Rozman Edina 12.28 2007
[60]
Samantha Zopfi Providence Academy 12.28 2009
Sue Chopskie Park Cottage Grove 12.29 1987
Paty Wilson Silver Bay 12.29 1990
Jenny Newsome Breck 12.29 1995
Becky Schwartz Red Wing 12.30 1989
Angela Lindsey Richfield 12.30 1992
Lauren Cochlin Owatonna 12.30 2004
Leah Hanson Mounds View 12.30 2008
Akuoma Omeoga Irondale 12.30 2009
Claver Williams St. Paul Como Park 12.31 1984
[70]
Carmen Richardson Irondale 12.31 1994
Amber James Woodbury 12.31 1998
Chichi Omeoga Irondale 12.31 2003
Mary Tanoe Hopkins 12.31 2009
Taylor Anderson Hopkins 12.31 2009
Angela Klatt Eagan 12.33 2000
Jessica Smith Mankato East 12.33 2006
Dominique Thompson Robbinsdale Armstrong 12.33 2008
Rosey Erickson Alexandria 12.33 2009
Janet Knopik St. Cloud Apollo 12.34 1979
[80]
Jandro Owatonna 12.34 1980
Denise Bullocks Mt. St. Ben 12.34 1981
S. Lawdermilt East Grand Forks 12.34 1981
Shannon Rauch St. Cloud Tech 12.34 1981
Linda Pachel Park Rapids 12.34 1984
Deb Hoogeveen Luverne 12.34 1989
Melissa Schuft Watertown Mayer 12.34 1990
A Lindsay Brooklyn Center 12.34 1991
Anne Parker Mounds View 12.34 1992
Denise Bitz Grey Eagle Swanville 12.34 1993
[90]
Kara Biesener Henry Sibley 12.34 1995
Aspen James Woodbury 12.34 2000
Lisa Peterson Minn Valley Lutheran 12.34 2004
Kristen Haak Mounds View 12.34 2005
Bri Fernholz Willmar 12.34 2006
Jes Vork Cloquet 12.34 2007
Julie Kosowski South St. Paul 12.35 1979
Heidi Kjolhaur Clearbrook Gonvick 12.35 2005
Antoinette Goodman Burnsville 12.35 2009
Linda Robinson Mpls Central 12.36 1981
[100]
Toya Poole St. Paul Central 12.36 1995

Garrett Heath Talks to Runner's World

Former Winona prep Garrett Heath is interviewed today on Runner's World's web-site, HERE.

The Stanford University alum is coming off a banner indoor season that saw him finish third in the 1500 meters at the USA Indoor Championships and make the 1500m final at the IAAF World Indoor Championships is Doha, Qatar.

Heath says in the Peter Gambaccini interview that he plans to race at the B.A.A. Invitational Mile on April 18 and then at the Medtronic TC 1 Mile/USA Road Mile Championships in Minneapolis on May 13.

Girls' All-Time Lists: 200 Meters

Here's the next installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performances. Today, we're posting the 200 meters.

The lists only include performances made during the "regular season" of Minnesota track and field -- i.e., performances in meets up to and including the MSHSL State Meet. Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us

200 meters

Vanessa Clarida Bloomington Kennedy 23.93 2001
Heather Van Norman Windom 24.29 1986
Analisa Huschle Bagley 24.51 2009
Jessica Mittelstadt Mankato West 24.54 1999
Rosey Erickson Alexandria 24.62 2009
Jennifer Bell Bloomington Lincoln 24.65 1982
Liesa Brateng Roseau 24.66 1987
Liza Conteh Moorhead 24.66 1998
Kylie Peterson Apple Valley 24.68 2008
Kadeshia Fortune Mpls Washburn 24.71 2005
[10]
Amber James Woodbury 24.72 2000
Shanda Larsen Holdingford 24.72 2002
Antoinette Goodman Burnsville 24.74 2009
Sade Pollard St. Paul Harding 24.75 2007
Jane Oas Mound Westonka 24.75 1972
Kim Watts St. Paul Central 24.75 1978
Chichi Omeoga Irondale 24.77 2004
Kelsey Conrad Robbinsdale Cooper 24.79 2006
Deborah Cordner St. Louis Park 24.79 1998
Paige Kuplic Prior Lake 24.81 2009
[20]
Ashley Tingelstad East Grand Forks 24.81 2009
Kou Lougon Park Center 24.83 2001
Kim Troung Apple Valley 24.83 2004
Jasmine Dittrich Rochester John Marshall 24.86 2009
Anne Hillier Blake 24.9 2002
Jaylene Gerenz Rosemount 24.91 1987
Kyndal Hargrow Blake 24.91 2003
Leighton Lerum Providence Academy 24.92 2009
Denitria Nichols Owatonna 24.95 2006
Kristi Buerkle Forset Lake 24.96 2007
[30]
Sophie Charlton Rochester Mayo 24.96 2009
Erica Rhodes Mpls Edison 24.98 2004
Abby Berens Shakopee 25 2009
Quina Davis Mpls Henry 25.03 1990
Shelly Johnson Blue Earth 25.04 1985
Tara Kazemba Winona 25.04 1977
Julie Kosowski South St. Paul 25.04 1979
Anuli Okonkwo Osseo 25.04 2009
Christy Vitze Rochester Mayo 25.04 1976
Akumoa Moeoga Irondale 25.05 2009
[40]
Joy Krekelberg Pelican Rapids 25.06 1995
Jummy Alowonle Park Cottage Grove 25.08 2001
Jaylon White Blake 25.09 2000
Natasha Holt Henry Sibley 25.11 1998
Bri Fernholz Willmar 25.12 2008
Nicole Ryan Apple Valley 25.12 1995
Emily VanHeel Little Falls 25.12 2009
Megan Geyen Watertown Mayer 25.13 2009
Abbey Fischer Stillwater 25.14 2001
Nikki Martineau Park Cottage Grove 25.14 1993
[50]
Kristin Mulrooney Visitation 25.14 1987
Megan Sartor Faribault 25.17 2001
Jane Timm St. Peter 25.17 1984
Linnea Johnson Robbinsdale Armstrong 25.18 2006
Leah Hansen Mounds View 25.19 2008
Alex McCannel Delano 25.19 2002
Sue Chopskie Park Cottage Grove 25.2 1988
Sue Faus Rocori 25.2 1987
Majik Reed DeLasalle 25.2 2001
Dominique Thompson Robbinsdale Armstrong 25.22 2009
[60]
Karen Ryan Chaska 25.23 1987
Kalesha Taylor Rochester Mayo 25.23 2009
Sara Jones Martin Cty West 25.24 1991
Camille Kyte New Richmond 25.24 2002
Laura Lepsche Hill Murray 25.24 1976
Mel McClaskie North Branch 25.25 1997
Nicole Drangstveit Andover 25.26 2008
Danielle Jones Mpls Washburn 25.26 2009
Sarah Mismash Elk River 25.26 1996
Jean Schuller Prior Lake 25.26 1979
[70]
Sandy Jorgensen Woodbury 25.27 2003
Maureen Leonard Minnetonka 25.27 1988
Amanda Darling Jackson Cnty Central 25.28 2007
Jennifer Newsom Breck 25.29 1996
Emily Bartusek Albert Lea 25.31 2001
Holly Gondeck Foley 25.31 1996
Angela Lindsay Richfield 25.31 1993
Dana Watts St. Paul Central 25.31 1979
Erin Donnalley Red Wing 25.34 1976
Jenni Porter Champlin Park 25.34 1993
[80]
Julie Raub Alexander Ramsey 25.34 1981
Becky Schwartz Red Wing 25.34 1989
Teri Snoddy Mpls North 25.34 1977
Karla Stromme Bryon 25.34 1989
Kathy Novak Hopkins Lindbergh 25.35 1978
Anna Ratzloff Little Falls 25.35 1991
Heather Dorniden Rosemount 25.36 2004
Nancy Golie Irondale 25.36 1984
Janet Cullen Coon Rapids 25.37 1986
Janene Grutzmacher Shakopee 25.37 1988
[90]
Julie Hay Duluth East 25.38 1982
Shyla McKibbon Hibbing 25.39 1996
Tamara Webb Roseville 25.39 1988
Jennifer Hale Concordia Academy 25.4 1989
Martha Harris Bryon 25.42 1991
Brigette Stuewe Norwood Y-America 25.42 1986
Sara Schroepfer Mounds View 25.43 1986
Cathy Anderson Stillwater 25.44 1980
Denise Bullocks Mt. St. Benedict's 25.44 1978
Jeri Domes Albert Lea 25.44 1980
[100]
Laurie Hernke Cannon Falls 25.44 1979
Kalin Jackson St. Paul Central 25.44 1981
Peggy Natterstad Jackson 25.44 1986
Carmen Richardson Irondale 25.44 1993