TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The IU Columbus Track & Field team traveled to the Early Bird Outdoor Invitational at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Saturday (Mar. 22), where they faced off against a competitive field that included Rose-Hulman, Manchester University, DePauw University, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Wabash College, Franklin College, Concordia University (Wisconsin), Eureka College, and Earlham College. Despite cool temperatures and windy conditions, the Crimson Pride posted several impressive performances that helped pace both the men's and women's teams.
Men's Team Highlights
The men's team was led by some standout performances in both individual and relay events. Freshman Seth Trimble showed his skills in the High Jump, securing 5th place with a solid leap that helped him stand out in a strong field. Trimble's performance was a key contribution to the team's success on the day.
The 4 x 100m Relay team, consisting of Liam Milne (Fr), Saulo Luna (Jr), Alejandro Saldivar (Sr), and Jose Martinez (Sr), placed 7th. Their teamwork and speed shone through despite the stiff competition, and they were able to bring home a solid finish.
Freshman Jackson Niebert also earned a top-10 finish in the 800m, crossing the line in 8th place. His effort in the middle-distance event was another important mark for the men's team.
Women's Team Highlights
The women's team was equally impressive, with a few standout performances across the track events. Junior Olivia Embry ran a strong 400m race, earning 5th place overall with an impressive time. Her performance in the event showcased her ability to push through the challenging conditions and bring home a solid finish for the team.
Sophomore Madison Merritt had a successful day, finishing 7th in the 100m and 5th in the 200m. Her efforts helped secure key points for the women's team, and her versatility across both short sprints was evident.
Team Performance
Overall, it was a strong outing for the IU Columbus Track & Field team, with several athletes making their mark in the top 10. The team's performances in a variety of events showed their depth and potential heading into the rest of the season.
With the team's next opportunity to compete just around the corner, IU Columbus will look to build on this momentum as they head to the Hanover College Track & Field Invitational on Saturday, March 29, in Hanover, IN. The Crimson Pride is eager to continue improving on their times and marks, and with such strong early-season performances, they are setting themselves up for success in the coming weeks.
