Milwaukee Takes Big Meet Title

Panthers win five events on the day

ALLENDALE, Mich. – Five Panthers brought home wins as the Milwaukee men's track & field team put together an impressive showing at the GVSU Big Meet Saturday at Grand Valley State.

UWM finished the meet with 91.14 points to easily win the meet out of the field of 25 teams. Milwaukee was well ahead of second-place Saginaw Valley at 68 and notably finished ahead of fellow D-II powers Grand Valley State and Hillsdale, as well as Miami (Ohio).

"This was an awesome weekend for our team," Milwaukee head coach Pete Corfeld said. "Everyone used the momentum from yesterday and came into the day with a purpose. Through and through, this is a very satisfying performance for the whole team. We're sharpening up for the conference meet in two weeks and it's good to practice winning. We've still got some things to iron out, but we're going to enjoy today's performances."

Milwaukee absolutely dominated the mid-distance and distance areas on the day. Drew Dueck got things going in the 800m by crossing the finish line first in 1:54.35. Not only is that time a new personal best by a full three seconds, it also leads the conference with just two weeks remaining before the conference championships.

Next up was Caleb Abfall. The senior, who has missed the first half of the indoor season while recovering from an injury, announced his return with authority – winning the mile race in 4:14.12 to just edge out a pair of other runners.

Then, the Panthers actually took the top two spots in the 3k run. Terry McMillan put on a show by breaking the tape in 8:29.57 – a time that now ranks ninth in UWM history. Garrett Miller was not far behind and finished runner-up in 8:33.13 – a new personal record.

Next up was Nate Pozolinski. One day after winning the invite 60m-hurdle race, the senior was at it again in the 60m-hurdle open. He posted the top time in both prelims (7.94) and finals (7.92) and has now won the event each time out this season.

Pozolinski notched win number two of the day in long jump. Competing in the event for the first time on the season, the Kimberly, Wis. native cleared 7.08m (23-2 ¾) on his third approach to win the event by nearly a full foot. Also impressive on the day was sophomore Scott Hietpas, taking fourth at 6.64m (21-9 ½).

Peter Andrew nearly brought home yet another "W" for the Black & Gold. The sophomore recorded a PR toss of 15.89m (52-1 ¾) in shot put to settle for runner-up on the day. That mark moves Andrew into seventh place all time in Panther history. Also finishing in the top 10 on the day for Milwaukee was classmate Marcus Matsche, clearing 14.94m (49-0 ¼) – a season best by over four feet.

In weight throw, Miles Kilpin led the way with a PR mark of 16.22m (53-2 ¾) for sixth place on the day. Jamar Manning was right behind at 15.85m (52-0) – a significant PR for the sophomore.

Nate Scherer put together his second-straight solid showing on pole vault, finishing fourth overall on the day after clearing a solid height of 4.52m (14-10).

The Milwaukee 4x400m relay nearly added to the Panther win total. Kyle Becker, Ryan Vinhal, Konner Fierek and Taylor Koss combined to turn in a time of 3:21.32, good for second place overall on the day.

In the individual 400m, Becker led the way for UWM with a time of 49.75 for sixth place. Koss was close behind at 50.63 – just shy of his season best. That came after Koss had already put on a big showing in the 200m, where he finished sixth in 22.26 seconds for another Panther PR.

Will Sutton put together his best showing in the 60m sprint so far this season. The junior won his preliminary heat and finished seventh in finals with a season-best time of 7.11 seconds.

Milwaukee added even more points after Jason Hanson again did well in high jump, clearing 1.95m (6-4 ¾) to tie for sixth place against the deep field.

Up next for UWM, the team will return home for its final home meet of the season next Saturday when it hosts the annual Panther Tune-Up from the Klotsche Center.

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Players Mentioned

Caleb Abfall: Senior; Distance

Peter Andrew: Sophomore; Throws

Kyle Becker: Junior; Sprints

Drew Dueck: Sophomore; Distance

Scott Hietpas: Sophomore; Jumps

Miles Kilpin: Sophomore; Throws

Taylor Koss: Senior; Hurdles

Jamar Manning: Sophomore; Throws

Marcus Matsche: Sophomore; Throws

Terry McMillan: Sophomore; Distance

Players Mentioned

Caleb Abfall
: Senior; Distance

Peter Andrew
: Sophomore; Throws

Kyle Becker
: Junior; Sprints

Drew Dueck
: Sophomore; Distance

Scott Hietpas
: Sophomore; Jumps

Miles Kilpin
: Sophomore; Throws

Taylor Koss
: Senior; Hurdles

Jamar Manning
: Sophomore; Throws

Marcus Matsche
: Sophomore; Throws

Terry McMillan
: Sophomore; Distance