The Milwaukee Panthers track and field teams will start their outdoor season with athletes set to compete at the NC State Raleigh Relays from March 26-28 and the Joyce Morton-Kief Invitational at Illinois State on March 27-28, according to a Mar. 25 announcement.
These events mark the transition from indoor to outdoor competition for the Panthers, who engage in both formats throughout their season, according to the official website. The women’s team is part of NCAA Division I athletics and competes in the Horizon League, operating out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Field events at the Dail Track Complex in Raleigh are scheduled to begin Thursday morning, while action in Normal, Illinois starts Friday afternoon with the hammer throw. The Panthers’ recent indoor campaign saw standout performances from Anna Szepieniec—named Alfreeda Goff Women’s Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year after winning three titles—and Olivia VanZeeland, who dominated high jump competitions. Nevia Levenhagen was honored as Women’s Field Freshman of the Year after strong finishes in long jump and triple jump.
The men’s team also had notable achievements during indoor championships. Karsten Grundahl, Matt Scardina, Zac Schmidt, and Ty Bauschelt won the 4×400-meter relay with one of the fastest times in program history. Bauschelt added an individual victory in the 400-meter dash while Josh Cygan claimed a weight throw title with a career-best effort.
Last year’s outdoor season included Natalie Block becoming Milwaukee’s first female All-American Second Team honoree after qualifying for NCAA competition in hurdles events. VanZeeland set a new program record for high jump and qualified for NCAA West Regional Preliminary Rounds. Liam Richards secured a decathlon title on the men’s side while Anthony Buford (long jump) and Cygan (discus) earned individual event wins.
The Panthers assist student-athletes with balancing academic responsibilities alongside athletic commitments as noted on their official website. Their next scheduled meet is April 3 at UW-La Crosse’s Ashton May Invitational held at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex.
