LA CROSSE, Wis. – With one final opportunity to sharpen their marks before the national stage, four Carroll Track & Field student-athletes took to the UW-La Crosse Last Chance Meet on Thursday, delivering strong efforts against a competitive field as they positioned themselves for a potential trip back to the Coulee Region next week.
On the women's side, Jenna Weis continued her standout season in the pole vault. Already the owner of multiple school records in the event, Weis cleared 3.56 meters to finish 10th overall. While she narrowly missed improving upon her season-best mark set earlier this spring, the performance reinforced her consistency at a high level. Entering the meet ranked 13th nationally in Division III, Weis remains firmly in the conversation for a national qualifying spot.
The men's group was highlighted by a record-breaking performance from freshman Brian Smith in the 400 meters. Smith surged to a first-place finish, shaving nearly a full second off his own school record in a dominant showing. After entering the meet just outside the national qualifying picture, Smith's breakout effort places him in strong position heading into the final selection window.
Carlos Cadet turned in another solid jump series in the long jump, posting a top mark of 6.98 meters to take seventh place. Although he did not surpass his season best, Cadet's freshman campaign has been nothing short of impressive, marked by multiple school records and capped by his recent recognition as the CCIW First-Year Field Student-Athlete of the Year.
In the discus, Brady Reusser added another steady result to his accomplished career. The veteran recorded a best throw of 48.84 meters to place ninth. While just shy of his top performance from the CCIW Outdoor Championships, Reusser closes his season having built a decorated résumé that includes multiple All-Conference honors.
With the final qualifying marks now submitted, attention turns to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, set to begin May 21 right back at UW-La Crosse. Should the Pioneers earn entries into the national field, they will return to a familiar venue with momentum on their side, looking to cap the season with performances on the sport's biggest stage.
