Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's and women's track and field teams both ascended to first place on the second day of the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio. The Blugold men are leading the standings entering the final day, while the women are tied with MIT for first place.

The Blugold men lead with a score of 35, just one point ahead of UW-Oshkosh. Meanwhile, the Blugold women share the top spot with MIT, each having a score of 27.

Adam Strouf achieved a significant victory by winning the national title in shot put, adding to his championship from earlier this year during the indoor season. His throw measured 18.50 meters, setting a personal record and surpassing his closest competitor by 0.29 meters.

In men's shot put, Yakob Ekoue earned his second All-America honor by placing third, and Gage Stankiewicz also secured an All-America status by finishing seventh. Curtis Johnson participated in his first nationals and placed 15th.

Emma Gruen and Emilee Booker excelled in heptathlon for the Blugold women, securing second and third places respectively. Gruen's performance was marked by a personal best score of 4,988 points.

Max Foland achieved All-America status in decathlon with a fifth-place finish scoring 6,547 points — his best this season.

Mason Shea became a two-time All-American in men's steeplechase after finishing eighth with a time of 9:03.25.

Stefan Klechefski advanced to the finals in men's 100-meter dash after taking fourth place in preliminaries.

The final day will see eight individuals and three relays competing as they aim to maintain their lead. The men's team last won an outdoor national championship in 2022; however, this would be a first for the women's team if they succeed.

Updates can be followed on Blugolds.com or through their app "Blugold Sports" along with social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.