The UNI track and field team headed on the road last week for their last two regular season meets of the season. The team traveled to Ames to compete in the Iowa State Classic on Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, Feb. 15 and to Minneapolis, Minn. for the Cold Classic on Friday, Feb. 21.

UNI competed in Ames with ten Panthers earning top-three finishes at the meet. Cam Bauer took first place in the triple jump with his career-best mark of 14.29 meters, moving him up to fifth place in the MVC. Darius King added another first place finish for the Panthers in the weight throw with a career best throw of 16.12 meters, putting him at third place in the conference.

“I think six to seven athletes made significant improvements on their standings (in their individual events) heading into this weekend,” said head coach Dave Paulsen.

Sven Van Den Bergh moved up in the MVC standings by adding a sixth place finish in the 400 meter dash. McKayla Cole finished ninth in the 5K with a time of 17:14.26. Both athletes recorded second-best times in the MVC.

With only throwers and pole vaulters traveling to compete in Minneapolis, the team earned three top-three finishes. King and Alanna Nietert set new personal bests, moving up to No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the MVC, respectively. Anna Hoyman moved to fifth-place in the rankings with a fifth place finish in the shot put. Panther pole vaulter Cierra Laux finished second place with a jump of 3.53 meters.

“We’ve been really consistent with where we’re at and that’s key, because consistency is really important. It’s something we can rely on,” said coach Paulsen.

After closing out their regular season, the Panthers are now prepping for the MVC Indoor Championship. UNI will host the championship on their home turf in the UNI-Dome on Saturday, Feb. 29 through Sunday, March 1.