Pioneers host U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division III Meet of the Week

Written by: Eileen McGuine, UW-Platteville Athletic Department

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Platteville hosted the Division III national meet of the week, as some of the best teams in the nation competed, the Pioneers made great strides towards the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships. 

"We are fortunate enough to have a facility to accommodate the needs for a meet of this caliber," said head track and field coach, Chris Rotzenberg. "Our meet personnel do a great job to have the meet go smoothly and essentially have the distinction to make it happen. UW-Platteville is ready and willing to host a meet like this every year." 

The women proved themselves with many top ten finishes on their home turf. 

Diedre Dillman, a senior from Prairie du Chien, finished second for her performance in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:15.47. 

Caitlin Thomson, a sophomore from Whitenall, Wis., tied for third place with Alyssa Iserman, a freshman from Hazel Green, Wis., in the high jump with a mark of five feet, three inches. 

Katurah Vangen, a senior from Rio, Wis., placed fifth in the 400 meter hurdles. 

Kristen Wiley, a senior from Oshkosh, Wis., placed fifth in the triple jump. 

Emily Kjos, a sophomore from Lancaster, Wis., threw 99.09 feet in the javelin throw placing fifth. 

The men's team held strong to great performances against other competitors. 

T.J. Valley, a junior from Prairie du Chien, Wis., won the 110 hurdles in a time of 14.51 seconds. 

Matt Ziegler won the 400 meter dash from the second heat with a time of 49.03 seconds.

"Ziegler had two awesome races today," said Rotzenberg. "He competed well in the open 400 meter dash, and also had a great split in the 4x400 meter relay, which ultimately ended up winning. 

The men's 4x400 meter relay team consisting of Aaron Hrubes, a senior from Madision, Wis., Patrick Kessenich, a junior from Milwaukee, Wis., Valley and Ziegler, took first place in a time of 3.17.18. 

Kessenich also took second place in the 400 meter hurdles in a time of 57.04 seconds. 

The men's 4x100 meter relay team consisting of Jordan Olp, a senior from Reedsville, Wis., Wis., Casey Goffinet, a senior from Platteville, Wis., Caleb Mertens, a freshman from Brookfield, Wis., and Hrubes, captured first place with a time of 41.78. 

Andrew Kissner, a senior from Pewaukee, Wis., took third in the high jump with a mark of six feet and four and three quarters of an inch. 

Chas Spangenberg, a senior from Appleton, Wis., took fourth in the pole vault with a height of fifteen feet, two and a quarter inches. 

Jacob Dailey, a senior from Platteville, Wis., took fifth in the hammer throw, with a throw of 172 feet and two inches. 

Finishing the meet with Javelin, sophomore Dan Poh, from Crivitz, Wis., and senior Mark Niemann, from Crystal Lake, Ill., captured first and second places. 

Some Pioneer Track and Field athletes will go on to compete next weekend at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. The women's team will compete Friday, April 19, followed by the men's team on Saturday, April 20.