Des Moines was taken over this weekend by the University of Northern Iowa track and field team as the Panthers traveled to Drake University Stadium to take part in the Jim Duncan Invitational. The men won eight events while the women took seven victories. 

The mens’ track team looked good in their trip to the state’s capital city. Kyle Trunnell was victorious in his race in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.04. The 200-meter dash was won with a 21.13 by Parker Kiewiet. The 4×400 team consisting of Drew Bartels, Bill Mukhtar, Ben Daumueller and Trevor Sauerbrei took the gold in the event. 

The team also excelled in the field events. UNI’s Darius King had a great day in the shot put, as he took first place with a throw that is the best in the Missouri Valley Conference: 19.68. Blair Brooks had an exceptional performance in both the long jump and the triple jump. He earned first in both events to help the Panthers in their performance. The pole vault was won by Teddy Allen and the discus was won by Thomas Yezek. 

The womens’ team also had a great meet. The 400-meter hurdle race was won by Katie Nimrod with a 1:02.85. Madelyn Sanda took the win in the 200-meter dash with a solid time of 25.35. The 5,000-meter run was won with a time of 17:33.57 by Mia Rampton. The 4×400 relay was a victory for the Panthers as the team of Auriona Kimbrough, Erin Kerkhoff and Anna Winterwood ran a 3:51.69. Malory Henze won the discus with a distance of 45.69 for her personal record. Rylie Todd won the high jump with Layanna Green taking second place. Lydia Berns-Schweingruber got the victory in the long jump to close out the womens’ field events. 

The track and field team had a great meet and look to continue their winning ways for the remainder of the season. Their next meet will be in Iowa City on April 23 to compete against the University of Northern Iowa before going back to Des Moines for the Drake Relays the following weekend.