CSB+SJU track and field reach midpoint of ‘25 indoor season

The St. Ben’s and St. John’s track and field teams kicked off their indoor track and field seasons with wins at the CSB+SJU Alumni meet. Both teams are looking to carry strong early performances into the conference championship meet at the end of this month.

Standout SJU seniors and multi-event athletes Max Lelwica and Anthony Thurk headline a group of proven Johnnie upperclassmen near the top of the conference in their events, as they currently sit at first and second respectively in the heptathlon. Joining them from the jump events are seniors Jackson McDowell and Zach Shaffer. McDowell is in first place in the conference in the high jump and is tied for eighth in Division III; Schaffer is in second place in conference in the long jump and third place in the triple jump. Tied for third in the high jump is senior Alec Ungar, who is matched by Lelwica and sophomore Connor O’Brien. A pair of juniors, Josh Johnston and Kole Guth, are in second and third place respectively in the pole vault. The Johnnie athletes are well-respected not only for their performances in competition, but also for their leadership within the team. Head coach Jeremy Karger-Gatzow noted that the team does not have any specific captains, but he believes that that builds an even stronger team.

“You’ve got guys who are looking out for and supporting each other, even if it’s somebody who may take your spot, they will support you and cheer your successes,” Karger-Gatzow said.

Junior Brennan Blake, often recognized by his teammates for his outgoing and positive personality, says that the team has made him feel welcome and accepted during his first full year. He also explained his own character.

“When we come to practice, it’s my time to de-stress and be with the guys and have fun. Sometimes when guys pull up to practice and they’re a little bit down or something’s going on, I like to be that friendly face and be a good, positive presence,” Blake said.

Adding to the list of early accomplishments are a pair of transfer student-athletes who are making an immediate impact early in their Johnnie careers. Max Reis, from Indian Hills Community College, currently holds the number three time in the conference in the 60-meter dash. Joining him is Anthony Sletta, transferring from Ridgewater Community College where he played basketball, who is in fifth place in the long jump. Karger-Gatzow praised their early performances and looks forward to them being an important part of the team’s long-term success.

The Bennies are anchored so far in their season by a strong mix of all grade levels contributing well. CSB Junior Jaylyn Ahlberg is currently in second place in the MIAC in the pole vault, and senior Justus Floren sits in fifth place in the pentathlon, also accruing three more conference top 10 marks in the 60-meter dash, 60-meter hurdles and the shot put. Not to be outdone by the upperclassmen are a trio of women in the jump events, led by sophomore Sabriya Farquharson who is second in the long jump and third in the triple jump. Joining her in the top ten in the triple jump is a pair of freshmen, Maggie McCabe and Anna Gries, who are in sixth and seventh place respectively. The Bennies also have their 4×400 meter relay team, comprised of Ava Revoir, Emerson Knapp, Kalli Smith and Lauren Berg, in second place in the conference. Head coach Robin Balder-Lanoue highlighted her team’s early achievements and hopes to get even more athletes qualified for what is an especially important conference championship meet.

“Our conference is really competitive, so qualifying is a big goal, a good goal. Our team is super excited that we’re hosting the conference championships this year and it makes it extra special if you qualify,” Balder-Lanoue said.

One of the biggest reasons for the team’s performance at this point in the season is the energy that they bring to the track for both practices and meets. Balder-Lanoue commented on the “excellent senior leadership” that drives the team forward, and certainly from the team’s captains: seniors Floren, Knapp, Smith, Lexi Torres and junior Mary Kenney. Floren added that everyone on the team has a good attitude when they come to practice, and the importance they put on cheering each other on. She also emphasized the impact of their coaches, saying,

“Robin does a great job. She is a great leader as a woman, as a mom and as a coach. Same with the other coaching staff on this team, they play a very important role in how we perform,” Floren said.

Both the Bennies and the Johnnies have two meets remaining before hosting the MIAC indoor conference championship meet Feb. 27 through Mar. 1.