Decorah, Iowa – The Crown Track & Field teams traveled to Iowa and Luther College to compete in another competitive environment on Saturday and had to battle travel issues before arriving.  After the team bus broke down a new bus had to be scrambled and then a funeral procession further delayed their trip, with athletes running from the bus to the starting line upon arrival!

Despite the unusual circumstances, the team turned in some impressive performances with 14 top-12 finishes between the men's and women's teams.

On the women's side, Abby Pausch took fourth in the Steeplechase in 12:49.9 despite arriving just minutes before the event and not having a warmup.  That time is tops among UMAC competitors this year and ranks as the fourth best time in the NCCAA.  Pausch also took ninth place in the 800 meters, finishing with a time of 2:37.0.

Anna Brueckner ran a season best 63.27 in the 400 meters, finishing in sixth place and recording the third fastest time in the UMAC this season.

Elsie Estenson clocked a 18.23 in the 100 meter high hurdles, while Emily Hilton had throws of 23.36 meters in the Javelin and 23.43 meters in the discuss good for 10^th and 12^th place respectively.  Her throw in the Javelin was a season best mark and her discuss effort was a new personal best. 

Destiny Ray ran a personal best 14.33 in the 100 meters for a 12^th place finish.

On the men's side, Colten Pausch turned in the top finish of the day with a third place effort in the Javelin.  His throw of 44.53 meters was a personal best and ranks as the third best mark in the conference this season. 

Jeremiah VanAcker ran a personal best time in the 1500 meters, clocking in at 4:03.2 for a sixth place finish and the second best time in the UMAC this season.

Ryan Swecker continued to run well in the sprints, placing sixth in the 100 meters with an 11.69 and eighth in the 200 meters in 23.68.

Ty Dill-Erickson and Michael Gregoria finished seventh and eighth in the 400 meter hurdles with times of 65.44 and 65.88 respectively.  Gregoria's time was a personal best. 

Titus Wiggins rounded out the strong performances with a 17:23.4 effort in the 5,000 meters and a ninth place finish.

Both the men and women return to action this Thursday as they travel to the Lee Krough Invitational hosted by Gustavus.