MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State Indoor Track and Field season kicked off Saturday with strong results in the Chuck Petersen Open at Myers Field House. The Mavericks took first place among four collegiate teams in 14 scored events with a total of 310.50. Student-athletes from St. Olaf (64), Concordia St. Paul (46) and Bethany Lutheran College (9) also attended.
 
"Our program had an outstanding opening meet," said head coach Mike Turgeon. "It is always great to see how all the training from this past fall comes together and all of our new track and field student-athletes performed. It is clear 2024 will be an exciting season for Maverick Track and Field."
 
On the track, Jabez Reeves took the top of the podium in the 200 meter dash with a finals time of 21.83 seconds. Reeves also won the 60 meter dash finals with a personal best time of 6.72 seconds.
 
Thomas Rosengren won the 400 meter dash at 48.92 seconds and Abel Christiansen placed first in the 60 meter hurdles (8.01 seconds).
 
Aiden Buendorf took first in high jump at 2.03m (6' 7.75") and defending NSIC Indoor long jump champion James Gilbert landed at 7.60m (24' 11.25") for first place in the event. Gilbert was selected as NSIC indoor field preseason athlete of the year.
 
Shemar Miller highlighted men's triple jump with 15.68m on his third attempt.
 
In throws, Steven Orzolek placed first in shot put (15.47m), followed by Ben Wieser (15.26m). Carter Aguilera was the top man in weight throw with a mark of 18.35m.
 
Minnesota State hosts the Bearson/Gathje Classic next on Friday, January 12 at Myers Field House.