Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney track and field team won four events at the Prairie Wolf Outdoor Invitational Thursday night in Lincoln.

The non-team scoring meet featured NAIA schools from around the area and is a stopping point for some that are headed to the Drake Relays in Des Moines.

Utica redshirt sophomore Mackenzie Crowder led the Lopers as she won the shot with a career-best toss of 46-10.75. The throw was nine inches further than the runner up and moves her up to 21st on the national list. Crowder had a toss of 46 feet earlier this year, placing her eighth on UNK's all-time list.

Next, Lincoln junior Mandera Gatwech won at 400 meters (48.78), Omaha redshirt sophomore Thomas Stopak placed first in the long jump with a leap of 22-7.75 and Rushville sophomore Dani Wellnitz led the field in the 5,000 (19:24.27). 

In the men's shot, UNK was fourth through sixth and led by Elm Creek sophomore Jacob Bartling (53-0). He also was third in the discus at 160-4. Also in the throws, McCook junior Marcus Gonzales had another solid effort (177-10) in the hammer. 

Finally on the men's side, Kearney senior Garrett Arnold was runner up in the 110 hurdles (15.29) and Lincoln freshman Nathan Pierce was one of three Lopers in the top six in the 1,500, finishing second (3:56.35).

UNK was well represented in the women's pole vault as three placed in the top six. Columbus junior Kylee Study came in second (11-5.75) with Lincoln senior Mandy Rathje and Bertrand junior Allison Mason both clearing 11-1.75.

In the high jump, South Dakota senior Kelsey Fitzgerald, O'Neill junior Emily Everitt and Tekamah junior Jade Braniff all reached 5-3.75 with Everitt finishing fourth based on judge's decision.

Finally, coming in second place were Crofton senior Dani Riesberg at 400 meters (57.52), Aurora sophomore Beth Wilson in the javelin (125-76) and Plattsmouth freshman April Graham in the 800 (2:22.32).

Everitt and Fitzgerald, along with junior Baily Stapleman, will compete at Drake Friday night. In Michigan at thee Hillsdale GINA Relays, runners Morgan Benesch, Andrew Fields and Cole Wellnitz will aim for provisional times. The rest of the UNK now prepares for the MIAA Outdoor Championships next weekend in Bolivar, Mo.