Lincoln, Neb. - The Drake University track and field team opened the weekend with another school record, five personal bests and season-best individual performances Friday night at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational. 

Pole vaulter Maja Gebauer continued her strong debut season by breaking her own school record with a clearance of 13-0.75 (3.98m). She tied the leaders in the event, but finished third in the jump-off based on a miss at an earlier height. Her jump broke her previous record by more than seven inches and is the top jump in the Missouri Valley Conference this season.

The men's 400 meters brought a personal record to all three competitors, as well as the three top times run by a Bulldog this season. Aobakwe Malau finished in 50.06, the fastest time on the season for the team, to take 30th place in the deep field. Joseph Kruse finished with a time of  50.16, beating his previous personal best of 50.91. Angelo Romagna finished with a time of 50.74. 

In the women's 60 meters preliminary heats, Keaton Kester set a personal best with a time of 7.79 to finish in 39th place. Sophia Jackson also competed in the event, recording a time of 7.85. 

Weight thrower Joey Harkins threw 55-07.5 (16.95m) continued his strong season with a mark just off his personal best to finish 17th.  Ethan Marshall also competed in the event, finishing with a distance of 49-3.05 (15.02m). 

The women's 400 meters saw Ellie Mendlik to finish with the best time on the team in the event with a time of 59.17 to finish 27th.

The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, Feb. 8, with events starting with final combined events starting at 9:30 a.m. then both track and field events starting at 11:30 a.m.


Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational
Friday, Feb. 7
Devaney Sports Center - Lincoln, Neb. 

Drake Individual Men's Results
60 Meters (Prelims)
20. Victor Peka, 6.92

400 Meters
30. Aobakwe Malau, 50.06
32. Joseph Kruse, 50.16
37. Angelo Romagna, 50.74

Weight Throw
17. Joey Harkins, 55-07.5 (16.95m) 
21. Ethan Marshall, 49-03.5 (15.02m)


Drake Women's Individual Results
60 Meters (Prelims)
32. Keaton Kester, 7.79
39. Sophia Jackson, 7.85

400 Meters
27. Ellie Mendlik, 59.17
35. Iris Hertting, 1:00.13
45. Bryce Lang, 1:03.63
47. Kirstin Skriver, 1:05.33

Pole Vault
3. Maja Gebauer, 13-00.75 (3.98)