Milwaukee City Wire

The Milwaukee Panthers track and field team is preparing to compete at the Eagle Open, hosted by La Crosse this Friday. The event will start at 3:00 PM with the women's javelin and continue into the evening, concluding with the men's 400m at 7:00 PM.

These post-conference championship meets are crucial for athletes aiming to qualify for the NCAA West Preliminary meet. Athletes who rank in the top 48 in their events earn a spot in the NCAA West First Rounds. Competing from Milwaukee are Olivia Busch, Evan Bartelsen, Jack Browne, Adaline Powell, Anna Szepieniec, Will Mortimer, Natalie Block, Kynnedi Malone, Chris Hudnall, Madison Hughes, and Caleb Henry.

Recently, the Milwaukee women's track team secured their eighth Horizon League Outdoor Track & Field Championship title with 193.5 points. Andrew Basler was named Horizon League Outdoor Track & Field Women's Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. Natalie Block excelled by winning both the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles and was named Championship Meet Outstanding Performer – Running.

Anna Szepieniec claimed victory in the heptathlon and was honored as Horizon League Women's Field Freshman of the Year. Tabitha Wechlo set a new program record in shot put while Cailin Kinas broke the program's 3000m steeplechase record. Anelise Egge won the 1500m event.

On the men's side, Milwaukee finished as runners-up for a fourth straight season with 192 points. Golden Cotton achieved individual wins in both the 100m and 200m races and contributed to a relay victory alongside Anthony Kessler, Zac Schmidt, and Jaelyn Reeves-Lile.

Liam Richards won the decathlon and was named Horizon League Men's Field Freshman of the Year. Anthony Campbell set a new long jump record at the Horizon League Championships. Caleb Henry won the 400m race and anchored a victorious relay team with Jackson Statz, Dane Nelson, and Schmidt.

The Panthers' next competition will be at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds from May 22-25 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.