Milwaukee City Wire

Liam Richards led a dominant performance by the Milwaukee men's track and field team at the Horizon League Championships in Rochester. Richards secured first place in the decathlon with 6332 points, placing him eighth on Milwaukee's all-time list.

Richards won three events on Friday and began Saturday with a victory in the heptathlon 110m hurdles, maintaining his lead throughout the decathlon. Head coach Andrew Basler praised the team's efforts, saying, "Day two of the championships provided some big team points, stemming from four individual titles between the men and the women."

Tony Bretall and Jack Misky completed Milwaukee's sweep of the podium, finishing second and third with scores of 5955 and 5807 respectively. Bretall claimed victory in the javelin throw, while Misky excelled in the discus throw.

In other events, Anthony Campbell set a new meet record in long jump with a distance of 7.66m (25'1.75"). Will Mortimer finished fifth, Alexander Maggit seventh, and Tim Maidment eighth in long jump for Milwaukee.

Finnegan Shields narrowly missed a podium finish in shot put with a fourth-place result of 15.81m (51'10.50"). Evan Bartelsen also took fourth place in pole vault by clearing 4.90m (16'0.75").

Aidan Sodemann contributed to Milwaukee's score by finishing sixth in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:28.46.

Several Panthers advanced to Sunday's championship heats after successful preliminary rounds today. Caleb Henry qualified for the 400m finals with a time of 47.35, earning him fourth on Milwaukee's all-time list; Zac Schmidt also advanced with a time of 48.24.

Dane Nelson and Chris Hudnall qualified for both hurdles events—Nelson ran times of 14.48 for the 110m hurdles and 57.61 for the 400m hurdles; Hudnall clocked at 14.51 for his event.

Golden Cotton led qualifiers for tomorrow’s sprints by advancing in both the 100m (10.50) and 200m (21.79). Jaelyn Reeves-Lile and EJ Kruse joined him in qualifying for the former event.

Nate Griepentrog was Milwaukee's sole qualifier for Sunday's final round of competition at this year’s championships running an impressive race over two laps around track clocking best personal season mark thus far during heat earlier today securing spot next day alongside fellow teammates hopeful strong finishes across board bring home coveted title yet again another exciting season behind them now nearly complete overall great showing continues strong performances leading into final day tomorrow promising even more excitement as athletes look push themselves further than ever before aiming ultimate success coming up shortly thereafter wrap-up scheduled later afternoon concluding weekend full thrilling moments unforgettable memories made along way!

Milwaukee currently holds second place overall after two days with Youngstown State leading at present followed closely behind Purdue Fort Wayne rounding out top three standings going into Sunday’s decisive action-packed conclusion where stakes higher than ever seen recent years past according coach Basler: "We know we have gap close," said confident leader optimistic about chances heading forward determined make most opportunity ahead despite challenging circumstances faced each step journey taken thus far ready face whatever comes next head-on without hesitation or fear whatsoever no matter what happens end result still proud effort put forth everyone involved equally dedicated cause greater good beyond just winning alone truly remarkable feat worth celebrating indeed no doubt whatsoever here today tomorrow always remember forevermore!