The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men’s track and field team began competition on March 13 at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships in Birmingham, Alabama, with Gage Stankiewicz achieving a second place finish in the men’s weight throw. Four other Blugolds athletes also qualified for finals in their respective events for day two.
This event is significant as it highlights the achievements of student athletes representing UW-Eau Claire at a national level. The Blugolds’ participation demonstrates the university’s commitment to collegiate athletics and its engagement with both campus and community.
Stankiewicz secured his fourth career podium placement and All-America honor with a personal best throw of 19.52 meters, marking his highest placement at an NCAA Championship for either UW-Eau Claire or UW-Superior. This was his first podium finish in the weight throw after previous honors in shot put and discus during past outdoor championships. Blake Postler advanced to the 60-meter hurdle finals after placing second in preliminaries, while he and teammates Cameron Pease, Izaak Clendenning, and Nick Odom qualified for the 4×400 relay final by finishing third overall in their preliminary heat.
Jace Stolte ended day one of the heptathlon in third place with 2,922 points among twenty competitors. Stolte placed eighth in three events before taking second in the high jump, trailing second place by just 31 points. Other Blugolds competing included Soren Johnson (weight throw), Tyler Botz (15th in 60m hurdles), and Reilly Templeton (17th in 200m).
According to the official website, the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds serve both campus and surrounding community through statewide collegiate athletics. The program utilizes various on-campus and off-campus facilities for its 25 intercollegiate teams according to the official website. Since its Hall of Fame began, UW-Eau Claire has enshrined 271 athletes, coaches, and administrators according to the official website. The athletic department operates under University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire administration according to the official website.
The Blugolds field more than two dozen varsity sports teams for men and women according to the official website, representing Eau Claire, Wisconsin, while engaging with their local community according to the official website.
The team will continue competition on Saturday with four events featuring UWEC athletes set for finals.
