Veverka and Walechka become All-Americans in the discus

Greensboro, N.C. - Qualifying to the 2021 NCAA DIII Outdoor Track and Field Championships in of itself is a massive accomplishment. After seeing cancellations of the 2020 NCAA DIII indoor and outdoor track and field competitions, track and field athletes everywhere were ready to finish what they started. Competing for the Pioneers were Ben Veverka, Alexander Walechka, Justin Eichler, Katie Schilling, and Brianna Leahy. 

Veverka, Walechka, and Eichler began competition with discus on day one of the championships. Veverka threw 49.61m (162-09) to finish in third place. Walechka held onto sixth place with a mark of 47.95m (157-4). Eichler finished in 13th place, higher than his incoming ranking, with a throw of 44.03m (144-05). 

Schilling competed in the 400m hurdle preliminaries on day one. She topped on her career on the largest stage for NCAA DIII track and field, running 1:04.14 to take 13th place. 

On day three of the championships, Leahy made her debut at the national championships competing in the shot put. Her best throw of the day, 13.12m (43-0.5) placed her 15th.

Eichler and Walechka finished the weekend with hammer throw. Eichler threw 50.86m (166-10) and Walechka threw 50.52m (165-09), finishing in 15th and 16th place respectively.

For seniors Schilling and Walechka, much of their leadership and passion for the sport of track and field is not completely reflected in these numbers and results. They will be greatly missed leaders of the Pioneer track and field team. 

In overall team standings, Wartburg men's track and field and Loras women's track and field won the NCAA DIII National Championships. UW-Eau Claire men and UW-Oshkosh finished in second and third respectively. UW-La Crosse women finished in second place. 

The Pioneers send off for the 2021 season and look forward to the potential the 2022 season holds.

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NCAA DIII Outdoor Track and Field Championships