4x400 Relay Runs Impressive Finale

WAVERLY, Iowa - National marks highlighted the UW-Platteville track and field team's performance at the Wartburg Select meet on Saturday.

The women's team finished fourth of six teams with 58.5 points finishing ahead of UW-River Falls' 46.5 points and Central College's 42.5 points. Taking the top-3 spots were UW-La Crosse with 233 points, Wartburg College with 174.5 points and St. Thomas with 125 points.

Amber Williams' school record in the pentathlon Friday night was the Pioneers' only first place finish on the women's side. Notable performances were run by Amanda Milne in the 400 meters, finishing in 1:00.77 to claim third place, over a half second faster than her previous career best. Also, Devan Montgomery was able to run a 6-second best to claim the number two spot in the 1,000 meters with a time of 3:10.34.

In the high jump the duo of Cassandra Thorngren and Paige Fradette cleared 5-0.5 (1.54m) to finish in the 2-3 spots respectively.

The men's team finished third out of five teams with 132 points. Leading the competition was St. Thomas with 209.5 points and Wartburg College in second with 186.5 points. Central College finished the day with 90 points and UW-River Falls with 81 points.

The Pioneers' Matt Brendemihl remained unbeaten in the triple jump this season by claiming the top spot with a 44-10.25 (13.67m) jump. Brendemihl continues to hold the top ranking in the WIAC for the event.

Kyle Whaley came away with the win in the weight throw with a personal best of 55-4.75 (16.88m). Whaley also claimed second place with a 51-0.75 (15.56m) toss in the shot put.

Matt Dwyer was able to climb the national rankings into the seventh spot with his pole vault performance. Dwyer won the meet after clearing his opening height of 15-2 (4.61m) but went on to clear 15-7 (4.76m) and on his third and final attempt was able to clear 15-11.25 (4.86m), the same height that qualified him to the 2015 NCAA Championships.

The day was capped by one of the most exciting wins of the day courtesy of the men's 4x400 meter relay. Alec Burcham led off the relay and outkicked the competition to hand off the baton in first place. Adam Lange took the baton from Burcham and held off a challenge to maintain first place and hand off to Darren Hudziak. Hudziak was quickly challenged by St. Thomas as they overtook the Pioneers for the lead. St. Thomas was not able to shake off Hudziak as he came from behind to hand off the baton neck and neck to anchor, Wyatt Thompson. Thompson quickly took control of the race by sprinting into the lead ahead of the first turn. Thompson ran a composed first lap before pulling away in the second and leading the Pioneers to a 3:21.77 win, the second fastest time of the season in the WIAC. The foursome's effort currently puts them in the ninth spot on the national rankings.

The Pioneers continue their season next Saturday, Feb. 13 at home for the UW-Platteville Invite.