The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's and women's track teams began the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Competition with a stellar performance
The day was highlighted by one of the most decorated athletes to compete for Warhawk track & field.
Gracie Holland (Marshfield, Wis./Marshfield) added her 7th All-American honor in the pole vault. Holland, the 2024 runner-up, finished 4th overall in her final event for UW-Whitewater. The senior successfully vaulted a 3.95m to take fourth in the event.
In the throwing events, the Warhawk sisters of
Ryleigh Czarnecki (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) and
Kenni Czarnecki (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) both competed in the Women's Discus throw. Ryleigh secured her first All-American honor, placing 11th in the event for a second-team finish. Ryleigh had a toss of 40.07m. Kenni measured at 38.54m to place 18th overall, four spots above her seeded-mark.
Lincoln Begin (Greenfield, Wis./) represented the Warhawk men in the long jump. Begin leaped a 6.95m on his second attempt to place 15th overall and earn a spot on the second-team All-American list.
Competing in qualifiers today, the men's and women's 4x100 teams both secured a spot in the finals on Saturday.
The men's team of
Nick McFadden (Waukesha, Wis./Pewaukee), Sam Vargas,
Andy VanZile (New Berlin, Wis./West), and
Caleb Beightol (Belgium, Wis./Cedar Grove-Belgium) timed in at 40.55 to finish 6th overall in the qualifiers.
Vargas also secured a spot in the finals of the 200m. The freshman timed in at 21.34 to finish 9th overall and take the last qualifying spot.
The women's team boasted the second-fastest time in the qualifying round.
Danielle Pouska (Algonquin, Ill./Jacobs),
Dakota Mitchell (Sun Prairie, Wis./West),
Kelly Huerta (McHenry, Ill./), and
Cici Stennett (Barrington, Ill./) timed in at 45.98 to qualify for the finals.
Mitchell also competed in the 200m as an individual. Mitchell placed 20th overall with a 24.78 time.
In the distance events,
Ari De La Cerda (Milwaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) finished 18th overall in the women's 3000m Steeplechase. The senior timed in at 11:04.05 in the event.
To round out the night,
Gunner Schlender (Brillion, Wis./Brillion) represented the Warhawks in the longest event of the night. The senior collected his 9th All-American honor. Earning a second-team spot in the men's 10k. Schlender timed in at 30:21.65 for 14th overall.
Warhawks' Schedule Tomorrow -
1:00 PM:
Kenni Czarnecki (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) in the Women's Shot Put
2:30 PM:
Caleb Beightol (Belgium, Wis./Cedar Grove-Belgium) in the Men's 100m
2:45 PM:
Dakota Mitchell (Sun Prairie, Wis./West) in the Women's 100m
