Men’s, women’s track and field start outdoor season

The Truman State University track and field team split into two groups for its first weekend of outdoor competition this season.

The runners went to St. Louis to participate in the Distance Carnival at Washington University Friday, while the throwers were in Hastings, Nebraska, for the Hastings College Invitational Sunday.

At the Distance Carnival, five Bulldog runners participated in the men’s and women’s 5,000-meter events.

For the men, the top runner in the 5K was Branden Schaff, who finished 56th in the field of 232 men. Additionally, Mike Grasing and Thomas Cormier competed in the men’s 10,000, finishing 43rd and 69th respectively.

The top female runner was Gemma Saathoff, who finished 31st out of 169. Kim Kaster, Emma Harrelson, and Christy Boschert took part in the women’s 10,000. Kaster finished 33rd, Harrelson 42nd and Boschert 49th.

At Hastings, there were a number of top 10 finishes, including Nathan Bufka who finished first in the men’s javelin throw with a personal best of 162’ 11”. Additionally, Bobby Campbell placed fourth in the discus while Caleb Stuff placed ninth.

Elle Renault finished second in the women’s javelin throw at 122’ 10”. Cassidy Smestad saw a lot of personal success as she finished fourth in the discus and seventh in the shot put. Ally Ebert finished sixth in women’s javelin.

Both throwers and runners will compete Saturday at the Central Methodist Invitational in Fayette, Missouri.