ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- Top regional talent congregated at Bethel University's Gene Glader Invitational on Saturday afternoon. All divisions were represented as the best of the MIAC shared the track with the state's Division I talent from the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas University. Reigning Division III national champions University of Wisconsin - La Crosse also made an appearance at the loaded competition.
 
The weather made for dicey conditions; eventually leading to a rain delay that stretched late into the evening.
 
In the field events, Anthony Mahowald (Sartell, Minn./Sartell HS) led the way for the Saints with a sixth place finish in the long jump. Mahowald's best leap before finals was 6.69m. The entire field of qualifiers passed on their last three attempts after an uptick of rain halted the competition.
 
Noah Kubicek (Owatona, Minn./Owatonna HS) got caught up in a stacked field of the 400m dash. Kubicek chased the best he could out of lane one to finish seventh overall in a time of 48.65 seconds. 
 
Ben Westholm (Duluth, MN/Duluth East High School) picked up a sixth place finish in the 1500m run with a time of 4:10.28. Ashton Niemi (Bemidji, Minn./Bemidji HS) was right behind in ninth place with a personal best time of 4:14.12.
 
Trevor Turner placed ninth in the high jump with a clearance of 1.86m.
 
Matthew Erickson (Cloquet, Minn./Cloquet HS) placed 11th in the triple jump with a seasonal best mark of 13.05m.
 
In the 800m dash, Connor Feldt raced to a commanding victory in the third heat. His time of 1:58.35 was good for 19th overall in the meet. 
 
With the throwers competing in Fargo at NDSU this weekend, the Saints continue to clash with the best Division I talent in the region. Stay tuned for more results from their competition that stretches into Sunday. 
 
The Saints will look towards a line up of meet opportunities before the MIAC Championships on May 8th and 9th at St. Olaf College. Mark your calendars for April 25th, when the team stays local to compete in the first collegiate meet hosted at UWS's new outdoor track and field facility.