Ripon, Wis. — The Lawrence University men's and women's track and field teams opened the 2026 indoor season in strong fashion Friday night at the Ripon Red Hawk Opener, claiming six first-place finishes across different events. The meet was highlighted by two all-time school records and a nationally ranked performance on the women's side.
Men's Highlights
The Vikings earned multiple event victories on the men's side, beginning with a win in the 4x200 relay, as the Lawrence "A" quartet of Cannon Smithers, Parker Wittmayer, Marcus Jackson, and Benjamin Baldwin posted a first-place time of 1:36.93.
In distance events, Finn Lee claimed the title in the 5,000 meters, winning in 15:18.14, while Nick Hansen captured first place in the mile with a time of 4:23.57. Lawrence continued its success in the middle distances as Zach Meyer won the 800 meters in 1:56.89, and the Vikings added an eight-point performance in the 4x400 relay, finishing third in 3:35.28.
Additional point-scoring performances included Reuben Keuler's runner-up finish in the 3,000 meters, Brendan Cross placing fifth in the 60-meter hurdles, and strong showings across the sprints and field events.
Women's Highlights
The women's team was led by record-breaking and nationally recognized performances from
Lillian Courtnage-Dyke,
Elena Hartung, and
Mila Westra.
Courtnage-Dyke captured first place in the 5,000 meters with a time of 18:01.42, breaking the Lawrence all-time indoor school record in the event.
Hartung, who also is a standout womens soccer team member, delivered a standout day in the hurdles. She won the 60-meter hurdles in 9.37, a performance that set a new Lawrence school record, after qualifying first in the preliminary round earlier in the meet.
Westra turned in one of the top middle-distance performances in the nation, clocking 2:16.15 in the 800 meters, a time that earned her a No. 6 national ranking among NCAA competitors.
Lawrence also saw strong finishes throughout the women's events, including
Gisselle Reyes placing third in the 60 meters and
Jacqui Malm's runner-up finish in the high jump (1.50m). The Vikings added points across the sprints, distances, jumps, and throws to open the indoor season on a high note.
