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The St. Thomas men’s and women’s track teams opened the indoor season at home with solid performances even though the meet was not officially scored.

Junior Cody Jerabek, who won his 55-meter prelim, said the men’s team had something to prove after finishing sixth at the MIAC Outdoor Championships last season.

“We’ve been putting in a lot of work all season, really hitting the weight room,” Jerabek said. “We’re really pissed about the poor performance at conference last year so everyone’s got a lot of frustration that they’re taking out on their training.”

St. Thomas graduate PJ Theisen won the 55 hurdles (7.88) and junior Mike Hutton finished first in the 1000-meter run (2:31:00). Some St. Thomas runners did not compete, but senior Todd Gleason still liked what he saw.

“We’re looking pretty good this year,” Gleason said. “I think we’re all pretty confident coming into the season.”

Freshman Kayla Goeman won her first collegiate mile (5:30:00) in dramatic fashion, edging out senior teammate Larissa Peyton at the finish line. After the race, Goeman said Peyton has “taken (her) under her wing” this season.

“(Peyton) really pushed me all cross country season,” Goeman said. “I was glad to come down that stretch with her.”

Sophomore Mallory Burnham dominated in the 55 hurdles (9.28) and senior Amy Maas won the shot put (11.95).

“It felt good,” Burnham said after her win. “Since it was the first race of the season, I wasn’t expecting it.”

Both teams are back in action Jan. 20 at home for the UST Invite.

Ryan Shaver can be reached at shav7005@stthomas.edu