Grizzlies Wrap Up Regular Season in Thrilling Tom Gage Classic Showdown – University of Montana Athletics

The Montana track and field team is gearing up for the Tom Gage Classic in Bozeman this Friday. This event serves as a final chance for athletes to secure their spots ahead of the Big Sky Championships in Sacramento next week.

Many athletes are resting, but for a select few, this meet is crucial. Head coach Doug Fraley noted, "It’s a do-or-die situation for those kids." With only limited slots available, strong performances in Bozeman could mean the difference between competing at the championships or not.

This season has been impressive for the Grizzlies. They currently have 55 individuals or relay teams ranked in the Big Sky Conference’s top ten. Notably, at the Bengal Invitational last weekend, Montana shattered three school records. Tara Ohlwiler set a new mark in the 100m, Samantha Serex excelled in pole vault, and the women’s 4×400 meter relay team made history.

In recent competitions, four athletes climbed into regional qualifying spots. The top 48 in the NCAA West Region will progress to the NCAA First Round meet in College Station, Texas, later this month. Serex placed 44th in the region, while Ashley Carroll broke into the top ranks with a personal best in javelin. Also, Carson Weeden and Patrick Kremer joined the top 48 in pole vault and high jump, respectively.

While many athletes will rest this weekend, pole vaulters like Serex, Shealyne McGee, and Molly Chambers will try to improve their rankings. Weeden is currently 37th, with teammates Kevin Swindler and Corbin Luce not far behind.

Fraley expressed optimism, saying, "We have vaulters who are close to solidifying their spots for regionals." The stellar weather forecast suggests a warm, sunny day ahead, perfect for closing out the season or even finishing athletic careers on a high note.

In addition to the excitement at the Tom Gage Classic, national trends show that track and field events are gaining popularity, with increased participation in college athletics. According to the NCAA, over 500,000 high school students competed in track and field in the last academic year, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal.

This weekend promises not just a meet but an atmosphere of determination and camaraderie, reminding everyone what athletics is all about.

Men’s Entries

• 100m: Brody Thornsberry
• 200m: Cody Lease, Brody Thornsberry
• 400m: Garrett Dahlke, Landon Shilhanek
• 800m: Truman Thompson, Keagen Crosby, Morgan Amano, Michael Jump, Colin Shaules
• 1,500m: Lane Cole, Kanoa Blake, Zachary Giesch, Luke Mest
• 5,000m: Luke Mest, Zachary Giesch
• Pole Vault: Carson Weeden, Carson Hegele, Corbin Luce, Carter Petersen

Women’s Entries

• 100m: Isabelle Berry, Audrey Smith, Destiny Santiago
• 200m: Cosley Bruno, Isabelle Berry, Destiny Santiago
• 400m: Cosley Bruno
• 800m: Mackenzie Morgan
• 1,500m: Heidi Olson, Abigail Kotran, Shay Pederson, Olivia Coll, Kayla Ingraham, Sofia Hinderman, Lucy Thompson, Ashtyn Wagner
• Pole Vault: Samantha Serex, Shealyne McGee, Molly Chambers, Emma Zimmerman-Weeden, Hannah Moses, Ani Smith

This weekend, athletes will not only strive for personal bests but for their places in a competitive landscape. If you’re following their journey, you can check out more about NCAA trends and track statistics through reliable sources like the NCAA website or trusted sports news outlets.

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