Last Saturday, the Gustavus indoor track & field season came to a disappointing end at the MIAC Indoor Championships, held at the University of St. Thomas. The men’s team took home 9th place, while the women finished in 11th place. Unfortunately, these were not the results that the team was hoping for.

“We weren’t happy with our (indoor) placement and plan to place in the top five at the outdoor conference.” — Sam ReMine

“The team is disappointed with our placement at the meet, but we were dealing with illness and injuries the week leading up to the conference meet, so we are looking forward to the outdoor conference when we have a healthier team,” Senior sprinter Sam ReMine said. ReMine’s comments mirrored those of Junior distance runner Sadie Klug.

“To say the least, I was not pleased with my results, but I finished and did what I could for my team. As a whole team, again, the flu conquered us. In addition to sickness, there were a few injuries that prevented the team from succeeding to their maximum potential. Our team results suffered a little bit as well, but there are things as athletes we cannot control, like illness, injury and other competition,” Klug said. The disappointing finish to the indoor season did not mirror the indoor season as a whole, however.

“The indoor season leading up to the conference meet was quite successful.  Many people on the team were running some great times and setting themselves up to do well at the conference meet,” ReMine said.

“I am looking forward to what the team has to bring in the outdoor season. We are gaining a few individuals from other winter sports and I am excited to see what they can offer as we move into the outdoor season.” — Sadie Klug

For the men’s squad, the indoor season consisted of multiple solid outings, including a first place finish at the Macalester Kilt Classic. The women’s team also had a handful of satisfactory results at meets earlier this indoor season.

“Overall, we had a great [indoor] season. At every meet, there was at least one person who had a personal best,” Klug said.

Fortunately for the Gusties, there will be plenty of chances to get the sour taste of the conference indoor championships out of their mouths come outdoor season. The team is already hard at work training for the outdoor season, and the Gusties are looking forward to competing again.

“I am looking forward to what the team has to bring in the outdoor season. We are gaining a few individuals from other winter sports and I am excited to see what they can offer as we move into the outdoor season,” Klug said. The team also has a few goals in mind for their outdoor season.

“Our goals for the outdoor season at this point is for the team to get healthy and to achieve some big PRs before the conference meet. We weren’t happy with our [indoor] placement and plan to place in the top five at the outdoor conference,” ReMine said.

“Our goals for the outdoor season at this point is for the team to get healthy and to achieve some big PRs before the conference meet.” — Sam ReMine

The Gusties will have a full slate of competition later this spring, including a trip to San Diego, California in late March to begin their outdoor season. In late April, the Gusties will have their only home meet of the year when the team hosts the Drake Alternative Meet.