The men’s and women’s track and field teams are both in first place after the second day of the MIAC indoor championships.

The men’s team is looking to win its 27th consecutive MIAC indoor championship, while the women’s team hopes to win the championship for the 12th year in a row. The championships are held at St. Thomas’ Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex field house.

Men’s team

Senior Matthew Griswold placed second in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 7.73 seconds.

“I felt really smooth over the hurdle, which is nice for me,” Griswold said.

Freshman Joseph Wistrcill placed third in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 8.07 seconds.

“[Wistrcill] made finals and he’s doing really well also,” Griswold said. “I’m happy with where we’re sitting right now.”

In the men’s triple jump, sophomore Eyo Ekpo jumped 47-5 3/4, an NCAA provisional record.

Junior Ben Sathre took first in the men’s 5000-meter run with a time of 14:32, 11 seconds faster than his qualifying time.

Dick Rinehart, men’s weight throw coach, said he was pleased with St. Thomas’s performance in the weight throw, especially senior Bryan Thell’s performance.

“Bryan Thell is doing exceptionally well. He had a personal best,” Rinehart said. “He [improved] about three feet.”

Griswold said he’s excited to defend St. Thomas’ championship streak.

“Nothing’s given in track, so you’ve got to show up,” Griswold said. “We’re ready to go and ready to defend number 27.”

Women’s team

Senior Melissa Kuebler took first place in her qualifying heat with a time of 8.57 seconds, and then took first in the finals with an 8.43.

“I was nervous because last week I ran 8.57,” she said. “That was the only time I’ve ever ran that fast, so I didn’t know how this week would go.”

Sophomore Katie Ryan took third place in the 55-meter hurdles at 8.66 seconds.

Kuebler said she’s excited St. Thomas is hosting the championships this year.

“This is the first time St. Thomas has hosted in a long time, so it’s fun,” Kuebler said. “We had it quite easy winning our conference in the past. This year it’s going to be a challenge.”

Freshman Emily Van Heel took first in the women’s 55-meter dash with a time of 7.31 seconds. She was followed closely by senior Jenna Ewing, who finished in second with 7.48 seconds.

“So far we’re doing really well,” said Chad Robran, women’s sprints and hurdles coach. “We’re getting the performances that we thought we would get, and it’s been a good start.”

Senior Allie Metzler finished second in the women’s 5,000-meter run with a time of 18:02:58. Freshman Erin Statz placed fifth with a time of 18:12:11.

Carly Samuelson can be reached at samu5380@stthomas.edu.