The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women’s track and field team began their outdoor season on April 3 by competing at the UW-La Crosse Ashton May Invitational, where they recorded several top finishes including wins in both the 100 meters and 400 meters.
The event marked an important start for the Blugolds as they look to build momentum for the rest of their spring schedule. The team’s strong performance highlights their depth across multiple events.
Allyson Kakes won first place in the women’s 100 meters with a time of 12.35 seconds, while Kylee Grabarski took first in the women’s 400 meters, finishing in 57.38 seconds. In other sprint events, Britt Fitzgerald finished third in the women’s 200 meters with a time of 25.62 seconds, and the women’s 4 x 400 relay team placed second with a time of 3:57.64.
In distance races, Bella Hooker secured second place in the women’s 1500 meters at a time of 4:42.57. Hurdle events saw Lauren Dimler take sixth in preliminaries for the women’s 100 hurdles (14.79) and Brooklyn Lamers finish third in finals (15.54). McKenzie Kruse was second in the women’s 400 hurdles with a time of just over one minute.
Field events brought more podium finishes: Alyssa Draheim placed sixth in high jump (1.58m), Anna Thaler was seventh in long jump (5.36m), Kristin Behnke won discus (44.78m), Kayla Behnke finished third in hammer throw (50.55m), and Laura Bertrang took second place in javelin (39.15m).
According to the official website, UW-Eau Claire Blugolds serve both campus and community through statewide collegiate athletics, utilizing various facilities for their teams and representing Eau Claire throughout Wisconsin competition circles.
The Blugolds have enshrined more than two hundred athletes, coaches, and administrators into their Hall of Fame since its inception according to university records. The program operates under University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire athletics department oversight and fields over two dozen varsity sports teams for men and women according to official sources.
Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will compete next at Platteville on April 10-11 during the UW-Platteville Invitational.
