Mustangs Excel with Record-Breaking Performance at Hilltop Invitational

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - Mount Mercy's track and field team brought home two victories at the Hilltop Invitational, highlighted by standout performances from Seth Countryman and Luke Czarnecki.

Freshman Seth Countryman led the way in the men's 800 meters, crossing the finish line first with a time of 2:01.26, earning 10 valuable points for the Mustangs. Sophomore Trevor Leitheiser added to the team's tally with a fifth-place finish in the same event, clocking 2:05.47 and contributing five points. In an impressive display in the men's pole vault, junior Luke Czarnecki not only claimed the top spot with a mark of 4.60 meters but also shattered the school record, securing another 10 points.

The Men's 4x200 relay team, featuring Reid Fridley, Daylin Schaefer, Garrett Franklin, and Marquinn Davis, grabbed a second-place finish with a time of 1:35.65, adding eight points to the team's total. Senior Caleb Rutherford shone in the shot put, achieving a mark of 15.38 meters for second place and eight points. Sophomore Oscar Nielsen also contributed with a seventh-place finish in the high jump, reaching 1.85 meters and earning three points. These performances underscored the Mustangs' competitive depth and talent.

On Friday, Mount Mercy took to the track at the Cyclone Open, where athletes showcased their individual talents in various events. While the day was filled with impressive performances, specific outcomes and records weren't detailed.

The highlight for Mount Mercy came from Baylor Speidel, who snagged a second-place finish in the men's 200 meters with a time of 22.17. Speidel also made waves in the 60 meters finals, securing sixth place with a time of 6.99, following a preliminary round of 6.98. Senior BJ Huggins crossed the line in 26th place in the 200 meters, clocking a time of 23.17, and finished 36th in the 60 meters preliminaries with a time of 7.29.

In the field events, junior Luke Czernecki dominated the pole vault, claiming victory with a mark of 4.40 meters. Caleb Rutherford impressed with a fifth-place finish in the shot put, reaching 15.75 meters, and placed ninth in the weight throw with a distance of 15.06 meters. Freshman Noah Gregoire made his mark by finishing tenth in the 3000 meters, recording a time of 8.42.91.

The Mustangs will return to action on Friday, January 30, in Waverly, Iowa.