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.
 
Before the track got too messy, senior captain Regan Niemi (Bemidji, MN/Bemidji HS) was able to capitalize on grabbing a personal record in the metric mile. Placing fourth in her heat and 14th overall in the meet, Niemi crossed the finish line in 4:52.97. This time checks in as the fifth fastest time in Saints history. 
 
In the 400m dash, it was again a senior captain setting the tone for how to compete on a sloppy day. Kayla Nelson (Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater HS) stormed the track with the outside lane draw and never looked back. Coming off of the final turn in the lead, Nelson hung on for third place in her heat and 10th place overall. Her personal best finishing time of 1:00.92 finished just off the Saints all-time performance list.
 
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.