Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's track and field teams made a notable impact on the first day of the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships in Rochester, New York. Competing at the Golisano Training Center, the Blugolds achieved six All-America honors.

Emilee Booker from Genoa City, Wisconsin, secured her second All-America title by finishing third in the pentathlon with a score of 3,693. This was the highest finish for any Blugold athlete on Friday. Joining her in multi-event success was Emma Gruen from Elroy, Wisconsin, who placed 11th in the same event with a score of 3,503 to earn second-team honors.

In women's weight throw, Teagan Jones from Lake Zurich, Illinois, and Kayla Behnke from Appleton, Wisconsin, both earned first-team All-America recognition. Jones achieved fifth place with a throw of 18.81 meters while Behnke followed closely in seventh place with an 18.10-meter throw. This marked Jones' fifth career All-America award and Behnke's sixth.

Stefan Klechefski from River Falls, Wisconsin, claimed his seventh All-America honor by finishing 13th in the men's 60-meter dash with a time of 6.82 seconds. Freshman Johnny Botsch from Brookfield, Wisconsin, received his first All-America distinction by placing 15th in pole vaulting at a height of 4.75 meters.

Unfortunately for the Blugolds' women's team relay members Kylee Grabarski (Waunakee), McKenzie Kruse (Spring Green), Allyson Kakes (Two Rivers), and Mya Cinnamo (Rosemount), their race ended in disqualification.

Heading into the final day of competition on March 15th at 10 a.m., the Blugold women are tied for sixth place overall while their male counterparts have yet to secure team points.

For more updates on their progress throughout the season visit Blugolds.com or follow them on social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram.