Milwaukee Shines In First Action Of 2017

Panthers win four events despite limited action

WHITEWATER, Wis. – Four Panthers claimed victory as the Milwaukee men's track & field team kicked off its 2017 season at the Karl Schlender Invitational Saturday hosted by UW-Whitewater.

"It's good to get the first meet under our belts," Milwaukee head coach Pete Corfeld said. "We've got a young team this year and that will show early on. There were some bright spots here today and this is a good starting point for us. There's work to be done and we're up for the challenge."

UWM got its first win of the day in long jump. Sophomore Scott Hietpas took the top spot with a solid opening leap of 6.72m (22-0 ¾) to start things off.

Next up was triple jump, where freshman Tri Pham won his very first collegiate event with a mark of 13.97m (45-10) on his second attempt to breeze past the rest of the field.

In the 60m hurdles, Nate Pozolinski – fresh off a trip the NCAA Championships in the 110m hurdles in outdoor – picked up right where he left off. The senior opened things up with the top preliminary time of 8.34 seconds. Newcomer Konner Fierek then won finals in 8.31 seconds, with fellow freshman Bryce McMurtry (8.53) third and Taylor Koss (8.65) fourth. Fierek's time moves him into ninth place in Panther history after just his first meet in the Black & Gold.

Fierek also had a strong showing in the 60m sprint. The Wausau, Wis. native crossed the line runner-up 7.10 seconds, just ahead of teammate Weston Guilfoyle in fourth at 7.16 seconds.

A trio of Panthers led the charge in the mile. Freshman Alex Cottter won the event in 4:25.92 in his collegiate debut, with Drew Dueck in second at 4:27.63 and Alex Sayles third in 4:34.89 to complete the sweep.

Milwaukee loaded up on points in throwing events. Peter Andrew came in second overall in shot put with a mark of 15.36m (50-3 ¾), with Marcus Matsche (13.69m) close behind in fifth.

In weight throw, Miles Kilpin came in third with a toss of 14.45m (47-5), with Peter Andrew (14.17m) and Jamar Manning (14.08m) right behind for fourth and fifth. Silas Petrie – who is competing unattached – finished second with a mark of 15.59m (51-1 ¾).

In the 800m, junior Ryan Vinhal just missed the win and settled for runner-up with an opening time of 2:03.81.

UWM also loaded up on points in the 200m. Koss led the way with a second-place showing in 22.71. Kyle Becker was next at 22.73, while Guilfoyle (23.07) and Alex Hatlevig (23.25) also scored.

Finally, in high jump, Milwaukee's newcomers continued to show what they've got. Jason Hanson and Brady Irwin tied for second after clearing 1.90m (6-2 ¾), while Trevor Coenen (1.80m) came in sixth for even more points for UWM.

Up next, the Panthers return to campus for their first home meet of the season next weekend when they host the annual John Tierney Classic on Saturday, Jan. 21 from the Klotsche Center.

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Players Mentioned

Peter Andrew: Sophomore; Throws

Kyle Becker: Junior; Sprints

Drew Dueck: Sophomore; Distance

Weston Guilfoyle: Junior; Sprints

Alex Hatlevig: Junior; Sprints

Scott Hietpas: Sophomore; Jumps

Miles Kilpin: Sophomore; Throws

Taylor Koss: Senior; Hurdles

Jamar Manning: Sophomore; Throws

Marcus Matsche: Sophomore; Throws

Players Mentioned

Peter Andrew
: Sophomore; Throws

Kyle Becker
: Junior; Sprints

Drew Dueck
: Sophomore; Distance

Weston Guilfoyle
: Junior; Sprints

Alex Hatlevig
: Junior; Sprints

Scott Hietpas
: Sophomore; Jumps

Miles Kilpin
: Sophomore; Throws

Taylor Koss
: Senior; Hurdles

Jamar Manning
: Sophomore; Throws

Marcus Matsche
: Sophomore; Throws