V-Hawks thrive at first meet of 2026

NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- The V-Hawks headed north on Saturday to face off at the St. Olaf Ole Opener in Northfield, Minnesota. The V-Hawks had competitors in 17 events, and finished in the top three on eight occasions. 

The highlight of the day was an Emily Ludwig first place finish in the 60 meter hurdles. Ludwig finished with a time of 9.14s, defeating her season best. The other highlight of the day was the V-Hawks 4x200m relay, consisting of Loganne Marks, Braylee Hyatt, Elsbeth Stewart, and Avery Poppe. Their time of 1:48.84 earned them a first place finish in their race, finishing five second ahead of second place. 

In the 60 meter dash, two V-Hawks made the finals. Braylee Hyatt finished in fifth with an 8.22, while Kaylee McLeod finished right behind her in sixth with an 8.26. 

Three V-Hawks made it to the finals of the shot put. Those women were Kaylie Wiedmeyer, Isabel Rubenzer, and Rebecca Sedbrook. Wiedmeyer finished in second, Rubenzer in third, and Sedbrook in eighth. Wiedmeyer continued on to set a new personal best in the weight throw, earning a third place finish with a 13.38m throw. 

In the long jump, two V-Hawks advanced to the finals with Avery Poppe claiming third place with a season best 5.35m. Lillia Chvatal earned a sixth place finish with a 4.95m jump. In the triple jump, Rhianna Robinson continued to shine, coming in second place with a 10.77m jump, just 0.06m off of first place. 

In the pole vault, Reina Mikla impressed with a fourth place finish. Her vault of 2.85m earned her a fourth place ahead of 10 other competitors. 

UP NEXT

The V-Hawks will return to the lanes on Saturday, January 24th as they head to UW-La Crosse. Events are set to begin at noon.