Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee's women's track and field team showcased strong performances at the Horizon League Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Tabitha Wechlo set a new program record in the shot put with a throw of 15.33 meters, surpassing the previous record by nearly half a meter. Her achievement secured her first place in the event.

Head coach Andrew Basler expressed his satisfaction with Wechlo's performance: "I was so happy for Tabitha and her monster throw in the shot put. She had been chasing that throw for a while and for it to happen at the most important meet of the season was special."

Cailin Kinas also made headlines by breaking a longstanding record in the 3000m steeplechase, finishing third with a time of 10:56.40. "Cailin ran a great race to finish third and break our school record," Basler noted.

Anna Szepieniec led Milwaukee's dominance in the heptathlon, securing first place with 4749 points and moving up to sixth on Milwaukee's all-time list. Teammates Kortnie Volk and Kallie Volk followed closely behind, finishing second and third respectively.

Basler praised their efforts: "Day two of the championships provided some big team points, stemming from four individual titles between the men and women."

In other events, Szepieniec placed third in long jump, while Isabel Roloff and Tia Brennan earned points in pole vaulting.

Several Panthers qualified for upcoming finals after successful preliminary heats. Katie Burns recorded a personal best in the 400m, qualifying alongside Leah Handshoe. Rachel Helm achieved one of Milwaukee's top ten times in history for the 800m.

Coach Basler commented on their progress: "On the track, we advanced almost everyone we expected to advance to Sunday's finals."

After two days of competition, Milwaukee leads with 79.5 team points ahead of Youngstown State and Purdue Fort Wayne.

"Heading into the final day, I think our women are in a prime position to bring home that team title," Basler concluded.

The final day's events will commence at 10:00 AM with several key competitions scheduled throughout.