Pioneers finish 5th and 8th in WIAC Track and Field Championships

Written by: Eileen McGuine, UW-Platteville Athletics

STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's and women's track and field teams competed in the second day of the WIAC Track and Field Championships with the men finishing fifth and the women eighth. 

The sole UW-Platteville champion of the day was Deidre Dillman, a senior from Prairie du Chien for her performance in the 800 meter finals. "It was a fun race," said Dillman. "I did what I came to do and proved to myself that I had what it took." 

In the men's 3,000-meter run, Ian LaMere, a freshman from Green Bay, Wis., finished in 4th place, running a time of 8:34.18. "LeMere is the man," said head track and field coach, Chris Rotzenberg. "He has made the biggest impression yesterday and today going up against some of Division III's elite runners. His performance in the 5k and 3k was outstanding. He is fearless." 

In the men's finals of the 200-meter dash, the Pioneers had three finishers on the podium. Jordan Olp, a senior from Reedsville, Wis., earned second-place with a time of 22.43; Aaron Hrubes, a senior from Madision, Wis., ran a time of 22.44 placing third; Casey Goffinet, a senior from Platteville, Wis., finished seventh in a time of 22.95.= 

Hrubes also finished fourth in the 60-meter dash in a time of 6.94. "Despite this weekends events, Hrubes had a great meet against some of the nations best sprinters," said Rotzenberg. With his fall early on Friday during the 60 meter trials, Hrubes thought he competed well. "Other than the spill I took, I can't complain too much about my races." 

Matt Kocak, a sophomore from Jackson, Minn., doubled in the mile, finishing today in a time of 4:17.06 earning sixth-place. "Kocak stepped it up coming back today to run another mile," said distance coach Tom Antczak. 

The men's team finished in fifth-place with 68.5 points. The women's team finished 8th with 30 points. 

"We competed at our ability level as far of the team scores go," said Rotzenberg. "However, we certainly didn't go above and beyond of what our men's and women's teams are capable of. We left some things on the track, like the tings that were out of our control, and we are looking forward to the rest of this indoor season and outdoor season." 

Some Pioneer Track and Field athletes will go on to compete next weekend in a last chance meets on Friday and Saturday to secure their spots in the national meet heldMarch 8-9 in Naperville, Ill., hosted by North Central.