Hillsdale’s women’s weight throw team is now ranked first nationally in NCAA Division II.  

This victory comes after a successful weekend at the 2023 Wide Track Classic, which Hillsdale hosted on Jan. 28. Six of the women’s weight throwers achieved provisional qualifying marks, alongside the 4×400 meter relay team, which also earned a provisional qualifying mark.

“The amount of people that had PRs that day was amazing,” junior Eden Little said. “It’s cool to see where we’re all ranked.”

The 4×400 meter relay team took second in the event, finishing only a few seconds behind the Western Ontario team with a time of 3:54. The team included sophomore Shura Ermakov, junior Dakota Stamm, freshman Francesca Federici, and sophomore Reese Dragovich.

Many runners also excelled in the individual running events. Stamm took first in the 200 meter dash, finishing at 25.49, only a fraction of a second ahead of the Western Ontario competition. Sophomore Liz Wamsley took third in the 3000 meter run, finishing at 10:26.

The weight throwers had an incredible performance, securing the top four spots in the event. Sophomore Katie Sayles took first with a throw of 17.90mP, and senior Nikita Maines took second with a throw of 17.81mP. Sophomore Averi Parker took third at 17.20mP, followed by junior Katie Weldy at 17.10mP.

Little also threw at the meet, even though throwing is no longer her main event.

“I used to throw weight in the years before but I don’t throw it anymore,” Little said. “I decided to make a debut again so it was a lot of fun. I came really close to my PR.”

Little said she is proud of the effort she put into her throwing performance even though she fouled.

“It was one of my fouls that stood out to me,” Little said. “I tried so hard in the throw that it was still a foul but at least I went for it.”

Sophomore Izzy Socha, who competed in the women’s pole vault, said she was excited by the range of Hillsdale students competing together for both the men’s and women’s pole vaulters.

“One moment that stood out was having two of our all American alumni guy pole vaulters and our freshmen all vaulting at the same time,” Socha said. “Vaulting this past weekend was such a joy because I cleared both my opening and around my PR on my first attempt.”

Because the meet took place at Hillsdale, many athletes had the opportunity to invite family members to spectate their events.

“My mom and sister came from 10 hours away, and then my fiance came from Pittsburgh, so that was a five hour drive for him,” Little said.

Next week, the Chargers will compete in the Jud Logan Light Giver Open on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 in Ashland, Ohio. 

“I’m super excited to see how the team competes this weekend,” Socha said. “They have all worked so hard and the results are starting to show.”