The Milwaukee Panthers men’s and women’s track and field teams concluded the combined events at Indiana State’s Gibson Invitational on April 17, with several athletes posting notable performances.
The event is significant for the Panthers as it showcases the talents of student-athletes who compete in both indoor and outdoor meets during the season, according to the official website. The team contributes to the athletic tradition at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which is affiliated with NCAA Division I as part of the Horizon League.
Liam Richards, competing unattached, won the decathlon by a margin of 256 points with a career-best total of 7260 points. Richards led in discus throw with a mark of 41.30 meters and placed among the top three in both pole vault (4.45 meters) and 110-meter hurdles. He also finished fifth in javelin (45.81 meters) and seventh in the 1500-meter run (5:00.28).
In women’s competition, Anna Szepieniec earned sixth place overall in her pentathlon debut for Milwaukee after winning long jump (6.01 meters) and achieving a personal best in javelin (30.23 meters). Head coach Andrew Basler said, “In the women’s multis, Anna had another 6-meter jump in long jump, followed by a personal best javelin throw… We opted to bypass the 800-meter so she would be fresher for the invite long jump tomorrow.” Kara Meeteer scored over 4000 points in her first heptathlon while setting lifetime bests; Basler said, “Kara successfully completed her first multi… She was able to eclipse the 4,000pt mark in her first heptathlon.” Kallie Volk wrapped up pentathlon events with fourth-place finishes in long jump (5.37 meters) and javelin (31.84 meters).
Later on Friday, Szepieniec threw another career-best javelin toss while Volk led Panther finishers at 35.78 meters; Jade Sok competed as well but was adjusting to a longer approach during throws. In other field events, Nolie Anderson set a new personal record with a hammer throw of 45.29 meters while Mercedes Herrera threw just under her own lifetime best at 43.96 meters.
Basler commented on athlete progress: “Anna and Kallie doubled back with Jade in the open javelin later… Anna threw another lifetime best… But with more reps [Jade] will be able to use that new speed for bigger throws.” He added about hammer results: “Nolie pushed her lifetime best a little further… It was a solid day in the ring for them.” The Panthers support student-athletes balancing academics alongside athletics according to their official website.
Looking ahead, Milwaukee will compete Saturday at both Indiana State’s Gibson Invitational final day starting at 10:30 a.m., as well as Warrior Invitational hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran College beginning at Raabe Stadium from Milwaukee—where they are based—at 10:00 a.m., according to their official schedule.
