MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota State posted strong finishes at the University of Minnesota Invite this week in men's and women's outdoor track and field.
 
WOMEN
The Mavericks had three of the top four in 100 meter hurdle finals. Ashanti Harvey was second in 13.56 (sixth in Division II). Esaba Okwaramoi followed in third (13.57, 8^th in Division II). Noemie Thibaud placed fourth in 13.69 (10^th in Division II).
 
Elizabeth Schmidt crossed fourth in 400 meter dash with a time of 57.44. Norah D'Almeida was also second in 200 meters with a time of 24.14 (30^th in Division II).
 
Willow Oehmichen excelled in pole vault with a fourth place mark at 3.61m (11-10.00)(69^th in Division II). Two Mavericks topped the podium in triple jump with Ghada Hamdani in first (12.37m, 40-7.00, 7^th in Division II) and Ashanti Harvey second (11.90m, 39-00.50, 23^rd in Division II).
 
Makayla Jackson also won the long jump event after landing at 6.03m (19-9.50)(12^th in Division II). Lily Beneke finished third in hammer throw and Elise Jensen was third in discus throw.
 
MEN
Oluwadamilola Babalola (48.79) and Qai Hussey (48.81) both surpassed the meet record in 400 meters for the Mavericks, finishing third and fourth, respectively. Richlu Tudee also usurped the meet record in 200 meter dash with a time of 21.04 for fourth place.
 
Jalen McGee hit a personal best in 110 meter hurdles and finished third with a time of 13.97 (7^th in Division II). Keaton Wattier also set a season best with his fifth place time of 14.47 (44^th in Division II).
 
Owen Petersohn led MSU in 400 meter hurdles with a third place showing and season best 53.70 (59^th in Division II).
 
In the field, Collin Windorski ended at 4.88m (16-0.00) for second place in pole vault. Anthony Ward took second in triple jump (14.37m, 47-4.75) and Jalen McGee headlined long jump in first place (7.45m, 24-5.50). McGee's mark was seventh in Division II this season and a season best.
 
Liam Byrne finished fifth in hammer throw (57.48m, 188-07) and Ben Wieser took fourth behind four Golden Gophers in shot put (16.17m, 53-00.75).
 
Minnesota State outdoor track and field continues this week at the Drake Relays (Des Moines, Iowa, ends Saturday) and Drake Alternative (St. Peter, Minnesota, Saturday). Men's track and field were rated 15^th in this week's USTFCCCA Division II national ratings index. Women's track and field were rated sixth.