EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The UW-River Falls track & field team opened up the 2025 calendar year with a competitive showing at the UW-Eau Claire dual meet in Eau Claire, Wis. on Saturday, January 18.
Brielle Kuechle, who etched her name in the program's top-10 list for the 60-meter hurdles in UWRF's first meet of the season, added her name in the top-10 list for the 55-meter hurdles with a strong showing. Kuechle clocked in a 8.64, a mark that is sixth all-time at UWRF, and placed second in the event. Kuechle had a busy day, winning the women's long jump with a jump of 5.50 meters (18-0.5) — the mark ranks fourth all-time in the program record book for women's indoor long jump.
The Falcons swept the women's triple jump, as Makaiah Kempe placed first at 10.22 meters (33-6.5). Brenna Schwartz (10.13/33-3) and Kateley Schlict (9.99/32-9.5) placed second and third.
Yaih Marial and Zane Habisch, who entered the meet already on the top-10 list in high jump, put together a strong team showing for the Falcons. Marial won the event at 1.95 meters (6-4.75) and Habisch took third place with a jump of 1.90 meters (6-2.75).
Jacob Balcome added to the high placements in field events on the men's side, placing second in the pole vault with a leap of 4.20 meters (13-9.25). Balcome also won the men's long jump, leaping 6.94 meters (22-9.75) — the mark is a personal best by over four inches, and ranks third all-time in the program record book. Cooper Hennemann placed third in the event with a jump of 6.40 meters (21-0).
UWRF's Wyatt Johnson was the top collegiate finisher in the men's mile, clocking in at 4:33.51. In the 3,000 meters, UWRF took the three podium spots: Sage Durdle (1st/9/29.94), Jack Richter (2nd/9:34.12), Ryan Pierson (9:34.25).
In the men's triple jump, Landon White won the event with a jump of 11.70 meters (38-4.75).
In the women's mile, Adison Wilde was UWRF's top finisher with a time of 5:23.79, the second overall collegiate finisher in the event. Jaidyn McAlpine (5:26.71) and Peyton Opsahl (5:39.04) were the next two collegiate finishers, rounding out a strong team effort by the Falcons.
Tyler Parker earned a third-place finish in the men's 400 meters, clocking in at 51.43. In the men's 800 meters, Luke Lenz (2:10.69) and Nick Aanenson (2:10.88) placed second and third. Hennemann took home third place in the men's 55-meter hurdles, clocking in at 8.25 in the final.
Brady Sindelir was UWRF's top finisher in the men's shot put, placing fourth overall with a career-best throw of 14.64 meters (48-0.5). Sindelir's throw ranks sixth all-time in the UW-River Falls indoor record book.
The Falcons wrapped up the day by taking the top two spots in the men's 4x400 relay, as well as second and third in the women's competition. The Falcons' first-place men's team included Tyler Parker, Joe Guthrie, Trever Jensen, and Logan Munson.
Up next, the Falcons will send their athletes to a variety of meets, with different event groups traveling to varying track meets. UWRF will compete at the Jack Johnson Classic hosted by the University of Minnesota on Jan. 24-25, the St. Olaf Invitational & Multi on Jan. 24, and the Pat Healy Classic hosted by UW-La Crosse on Jan. 25.
