NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Bethany Vikings Men and Women Track and Field teams kicked off the new year by participating in the St. Olaf Ole Opener this Saturday. The young team had plenty of athletes participating in events for the first time ever, with this being one of the first meets in the careers of several freshmen. Nonetheless, despite some of the inexperience, the Vikings put together a good day filled with good times on the track and good marks in the field.

 Some standout performances include a personal record in the 60 meter dash for Will Kaesermann and a season best time in the same event for Austin Skaden. Freshman Ben Matzke reached the podium in the 800 meter, placing third overall, and fellow freshman Brandon Kellett tied the school record that he set last meet in the pole vault with a vault of 3.75 meters. Kaesermann and Skaden were the other athletes in scoring position thanks to a 7th and 8th place finish for the pair in triple jump. On the women's side,  Freshman Campbell Amundson placed second in her first career collegiate 800 meter race with a time of 2:26.45. Fellow Freshman Sarah Smith also placed highly in the meet, with a height of 1.46 meters being good enough to place her fourth in high jump. Finally, the last female competitor of the meet, Samantha Kedsch, managed to beat her previous personal best distance in the triple jump four times in one day. Her final distance of 10.29 meters placed her fifth in the event. 

Overall, the Vikings put together a great first meet after Christmas break with great results from new athletes and veteran athletes alike.

The Vikings' next meet is in two weeks on January 30th and the 31st at the Mark Schuck Invitational hosted by Minnesota State University - Mankato.