Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney track & field team turned in four NCAA provisional efforts and won three events at the annual Wildcat Classic Sunday afternoon in Wayne.

The two-day meet was pushed back a full day due to weather. Most of the events were held Saturday with the hammer and javelin taking place on Sunday. This was UNK's first outdoor event of the 2017 season.

Putting their names on the national list were McCook junior Marcus Gonzales (hammer), Fairfield junior Bailey Stapleman (pole vault), Elm Creek sophomore Jacob Bartling (shot put) and Utica sophomore Mackenzie Crowder (shot).

After a strong indoor season, Stapleman led a herd of Lopers in the men's vault by clearing a career-best 16-1.75. The effort helped him win, set a new meet record and ties him for fifth in school history. Four others cracked the top six, including Cairo sophomore Grant Myers (3rd/14-7.50).

On Sunday, Gonzales threw the hammer 175-11 to finish fourth. The throw is a career-best toss and places him 10th on the UNK all-time list. Next, Bartling was runner up in the shot (53-7) and fifth in the discus (160-3).

Also in the shot, Utica redshirt freshman Tanner Barth was third with a throw of 51-7.75. Another Centennial grad, Crowder was runner up in the women's shot with a career-best 46-6.25. The throw ties her for eighth in Loper lore and has her 11th on the national list at the moment. 

The UNK women's top event was the long jump where four finished in the top seven. Colorado junior Frankie Noeldner was third (16-8.75) with freshman Karen Schmeits seventh (16-0.50). Schmeits (Riverside) was a workhorse Saturday, also winning the 100 (12.76) and placing in fourth in the 200 (27.00).

Finally on the women's side, Auburn junior Melissa Davison (1,500; 5:04.73) and Columbus freshman Cassidy Dyhrkopp (triple jump; 37-1 & 100 meters; 13.02) were runners up.

On the track for the UNK men, Texas senior Preston Foley won the 100 meter dash (10.63) with a time just off his career low effort. Next, Lincoln freshman Nathan Pierce (1,500; 4:07.82) and Hastings freshman Justin Enberg (110 hurdles; 15.75) were runners up. Deweese freshman Trace Gordanier (high jump; 6-4) and North Platte sophomore Jacob Zimbelman (long jump; 19-11) were second in field events as well.

Weather permitting, UNK heads to Fort Hays State next Saturday for the annual Alex Francis Classic.