SJU Track and Field 2024

2024 TRACK AND FIELD

REMARKABLE

flavor.

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R E M A R K A B LY I N C R E D I B LY

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SEASON PREVIEW Collegeville might just as well be called Titletown - at least when it comes to MIAC men’s track and field in recent years.

The Johnnies have won three of the last four conference indoor and outdoor track and field championships, sweeping both competitions in 2022, then finishing as indoor runners-up and outdoor champions a year ago.

Many of the key contributors to those titles return and stand ready to continue adding to the legacy of success in 2024.

SJU fell by just two points to Bethel last February at Macalester in the MIAC indoor team championship. SJU tied a program record with 18 All-MIAC performances.

Three months later, the Johnnies took first in 14 events for the 14th outdoor team title in program history during competition at Bethel in Arden Hills.

SJU returns 78.6 percent (22 of 28) of its individual All-MIAC (top-three) performances from last year’s indoor and outdoor conference meets, including three Johnnies who won a total of six individual events over the two meets. In regard to team scoring, SJU returns 74.3 percent (95.5 of 128.5) of its indoor points and 67.2 percent (129 of 192) of its outdoor points from last season.

Kevin Arthur

Back for More The 2022 and 2023 MIAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, senior Kevin Arthur (Champlin, Minn./Champlin Park) returns in 2024 thanks to the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted all student-athletes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the second-straight season, Arthur won the conference title in the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the MIAC outdoor track and field championship and was a member

of the Johnnies’ first-place 4x100 relay.

He recorded a season-best time of 10.46 seconds in the 100 and broke the program record in the 200 (21.15 seconds). Indoors, Arthur placed third in the 60-meter dash and fifth in the 200 at the 2023 conference meet.

He earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-North Region honors outdoors in both sprints and as a member of the 4x100 relay, and earned his first individual All-America honor with a seventh-place finish in the 100 at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships.

His first All-America distinction came as a member of the Johnnies’ fourth-place 4x100 relay in 2021.

Joe Charbonneau

Joe Vault The reigning MIAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, senior Joe Charbonneau (New Richmond, Wis.) returns after winning the MIAC’s pole-vault title in both the indoor and outdoor seasons last spring. He earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-North Region honors with a season-best height of 4.91 meters and qualified for the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships but did not place. Charbonneau’s MIAC outdoor championship was his second-consecutive.

He leads a talented group of returnees in the pole vault, an event in which the Johnnies totaled 24 points at the MIAC Outdoor Championships last May. Sophomore Kole Guth (St. Peter, Minn.) made a splash at his first conference meet by placing third at the MIAC Indoor Championships and just missed his

second by finishing fourth behind senior Dan Eickhoff (St. Cloud, Minn./Cathedral) outdoors. Eickhoff claimed fifth indoors and senior Max Doom (Edina, Minn.) was sixth outdoors.

Carter Grove

Distance Duo Senior Carter Grove (Osakis, Minn.) missed all of the Johnnies’ cross country season this fall and is hopeful to return for the 2024 track season after he finished third in the 5,000 meters indoors and second outdoors in the steeplechase. He was USTFCCCA All-North Region in the steeplechase and advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships, where he finished 18th. Off the track, Grove earned three academic awards for the outdoor season.

He matched his MIAC Elite 22 Award from the indoor season, earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America honors for cross country/ track and field with Lloyd Young ’24 and received the NCAA Elite 90 Award for having the highest cumulative GPA among the student-athletes who qualified for the national meet.

Junior Eamon Cavanaugh (Oak Park, Ill./ Oak Park and River Forest), like Grove, also battled injuries this fall in cross country and hopes for good health this spring. He finished seventh outdoors in the 10,000 meters.

Podium Jumpers Junior Zach Schaffer (Chaska, Minn.) returns after claiming both the indoor and outdoor MIAC championships in the long jump. He also scored team points for the Johnnies in the triple jump (sixth indoors and eighth outdoors), which is where another returnee - senior Elijah Wade (Waco, Texas/Vanguard College Prep) 2

F U L L PAG E A D

SEASON PREVIEW

Zach Schaffer

Jaeden Frost

Anthony Thurk

– has been among the league’s leaders over the previous two seasons. Wade won the MIAC title in the triple jump indoors in 2022 and was third in the event that spring, and finished second in both the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2023.

All-MIAC Throwers The Johnnies return their top thrower from last season - senior Jaeden Frost (Omro, Wis.) - who was All-MIAC in three events outdoors last May: discus (third), hammer (second) and shot put (third). The CSC Academic All-District honoree also placed second in the weight throw and fifth in the shot put at the MIAC Indoor Championships.

Multi-Dimensional Duo SJU’s top-two multi-athletes - juniors Max Lelwica (Brainerd, Minn.) and Anthony Thurk (St. Bonifacius, Minn./ Waconia) - also return this spring. Lelwica finished second in the MIAC heptathlon and third in the decathlon, while placing eighth outdoors in the high jump. Thurk just missed All-MIAC distinction by claiming fourth in both the heptathlon and decathlon. He also tied for fifth in the high jump and took seventh indoors in the triple jump, and collected his first All-MIAC honor with a third-place finish outdoors in the long jump.

The Johnnies also return a pair of junior jumpers in Alex Seiler (Albany, Minn.) and Alec Ungar (Eden Prairie, Minn./ Chanhassen). Seiler placed second in the high jump outdoors last season and was seventh indoors. Ungar, meanwhile, claimed fourth in the high jump and eighth in the long jump indoors, and finished fifth outdoors in the high jump.

Senior Logan Hennen (Prior Lake, Minn.) earned his first All-MIAC honor by placing third in the javelin, which is an event where the Johnnies will have a void to fill after the departure of record-holder and two-time All-American Brett Hague ’23.

2024 SCHEDUL E Jan. 27

11 a.m.

Minnesota-Morris, SJU Alumni

Collegeville - The Donald McNeely Spectrum

Feb. 3

11 a.m.

Minnesota Classic

Minneapolis

Feb. 10

11 a.m.

Saint John’s Invitational

Collegeville - The Donald McNeely Spectrum

Feb. 16

3 p.m.

Minnesota State Invitational

Mankato

Feb. 22-23

2 p.m./10 a.m.

MIAC Heptathlon

Northfield (St. Olaf)

Feb. 23-24

3:30 p.m./10:15 a.m.

MIAC Indoor Championships

Northfield (St. Olaf)

March 2

TBA

Wartburg Last Chance Qualifier

Waverly, Iowa

March 8-9

TBA

NCAA Division III Indoor Championships

Virginia Beach, Va.

March 28

TBA

Saint John’s Optimistic Invitational

Collegeville - Clemens Stadium

April 6

TBA

Hamline Invitational

St. Paul

April 11-13

TBA

Azusa Pacific Bryan Clay Invitational

Azusa, Calif.

April 13

11 a.m.

Minnesota State Open

Mankato

April 20

11 a.m.

Saint John’s Invitational

Collegeville - Clemens Stadium

April 24,

11 a.m./3 p.m.

Minnesota Running on Hope Invitational

Minneapolis

April 27

TBA

Gustavus Adolphus Drake Alternative

St. Peter

May 1

3 p.m.

St. Thomas Invitational

St. Paul

May 2-3

12 p.m./10:30 a.m.

MIAC Decathlon

Northfield (Carleton)

May 4

11 a.m. (F)/12 p.m. (T) St. Olaf Open

Northfield

May 10-11

2 p.m./12 p.m.

MIAC Outdoor Championships

St. Paul (Hamline)

May 16

3 p.m.

UW-La Crosse Qualifier

La Crosse, Wis.

May 23-25

TBA

NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

4

F U L L PAG E A D

2024 JOHNNIES NAME

YR.

EVENT/S

HOMETOWN / HIGH SCHOOL

Andrew Adams

Jr.

Pole Vault

Plymouth, Minn. / Wayzata

Mason Allen

Fr.

Distance

Cottage Grove, Minn. / Park

Tommy Allen

Sr.

Distance

Woodbury, Minn. / St. Paul Academy

Bashir Amoud

Fr.

Hurdles

St. Paul, Minn. / Harding

Kevin Arthur

Sr.

Sprints

Champlin, Minn. / Champlin Park

Dylan Bartness

Jr.

Distance

Plymouth, Minn. / Robbinsdale Armstrong

Jacob Becker

So.

Sprints

Lincoln, Neb. / Mount Michael Benedictine

Noah Besemann

Fr.

Pole Vault

New Brighton, Minn. / Irondale

Woody Bien-Aime

So.

Sprints

Plymouth, Minn. / Robbinsdale Armstrong

Aiden Blaeser

So.

Hurdles

St. Michael, Minn. / St. Michael-Albertville

Isak Brandt

Fr.

Hurdles

Eagan, Minn. / Eagan

Connor Brynteson

Fr.

Throws

Minneapolis, Minn. / Robbinsdale Cooper

Nathan Carroll

Fr.

Throws

Rice Lake, Wis. / Rice Lake

Eamon Cavanaugh

Jr.

Distance

Oak Park, Ill. / Oak Park and River Forest

Aiden Chalmers

Jr.

Distance

Chaska, Minn. / Minnetonka

Joe Charbonneau

Sr.

Pole Vault

New Richmond, Wis. / New Richmond

Joe Coffey

So.

Distance

Appleton, Wis. / Kimberly

Adam Collins

Sr.

Sprints

Shoreview, Minn. / Mounds View

Ryan Conzemius

Jr.

Sprints

La Crosse, Wis. / Aquinas

Carson Davis

Sr.

Mid-Distance

New Prague, Minn. / New Prague

Mitchell Degen

So.

Throws

Brainerd, Minn. / Brainerd

Pierre Deutschlander Sr.

Sprints

Maple Grove, Minn. / Maple Grove

Kaleb Dewall

Sr.

Throws

Red Wing, Minn. / Red Wing

Max Doom

Sr.

Pole Vault

Edina, Minn. / Edina

Dan Eickhoff

Sr.

Pole Vault

St. Cloud, Minn. / Cathedral

Aaron Freier

Fr.

Distance

Red Wing, Minn. / Red Wing

Jaeden Frost

Sr.

Throws

Omro, Wis. / Omro

Jacob Gathje

Sr.

Distance

Omaha, Neb. / Mount Michael Benedictine

Joe Gathje

Jr.

Distance

Bloomington, Minn. / Jefferson

Hermone Gebeyehu

So.

Sprints

Lakeville, Minn. / North

Jack Giitter

So.

Distance

Omaha, Neb. / Mount Michael Benedictine

Carter Grove

Sr.

Distance

Osakis, Minn. / Osakis

Kole Guth

So.

Pole Vault

St. Peter, Minn. / St. Peter

Matt Hansen

Fr.

Pole Vault

Longmont, Colo. / Niwot

Logan Hennen

Sr.

Pole Vault

Prior Lake, Minn. / Prior Lake

Alexei Hensel

Sr.

Distance

Buffalo, Minn. / Buffalo

Jack Johnston

Fr.

Distance

Maple Grove, Minn. / Maple Grove

Josh Johnston

So.

Pole Vault

Cold Spring, Minn. / Rocori

Bangaly Kaba

Fr.

Hurdles/Jumps

St. Cloud, Minn. / Apollo

Ashton Kalas

Fr.

Hurdles

Slayton, Minn. / Murray County Central

Vincent Kaluza

Fr.

Distance

Cold Spring, Minn. / Rocori

A.J. Karn

Jr.

Distance

Plymouth, Minn. / Wayzata

Colin Kaster

Fr.

Distance

Eden Prairie, Minn. / Holy Angels

Logan Kiel

Fr.

Multi

New Germany, Minn. / Waconia

Danny Kloeppner

Sr.

Distance

Dayton, Minn. / Champlin Park

Aiden Langheim

So.

Mid-Distance

Jordan, Minn. / Jordan

Max Lelwica

Jr.

Multi

Brainerd, Minn. / Brainerd

/

Joe Mensen

Dan Eickhoff

Aidan Morey

Logan Hennen

6

GARY’S OPENED IN 1982.

F U L L PAG E A D

In 1982, the Johnnies went 9-0 in the regular season and have had a winning record ever since.

Coincidence? We think NOT!

2024 JOHNNIES NAME

YR.

EVENT/S

HOMETOWN / HIGH SCHOOL

James Leon

Sr.

Distance

Walnut, Calif. / Bishop Amat

Ethan Leonard

Jr.

Distance

Chaska, Minn. / Chaska

Kaden Lukkes

So.

Sprints

New Prague, Minn. / New Prague

John Maile

So.

Sprints

Eden Valley, Minn. / Eden Valley-Watkins

Jacob Malecha

Fr.

Distance

Lonsdale, Minn. / New Prague

Peyton Martinek

Fr.

Distance

Coon Rapids, Minn. / Coon Rapids

Ethan McClellan

Fr.

Sprints

Sartell, Minn. / Sartell-St. Stephen

Max McCoy

Fr.

Distance

Bennington, Neb. / Mount Michael Benedictine

Jackson McDowell

Jr.

Jumps

Centennial, Colo. / Arapahoe

Carter McEachern

So.

Javelin

Zimmerman / Zimmerman, Minn. / Zimmerman

Joe Mensen

Jr.

Throws

Hudson, Wis. / Hill-Murray

Jack Meyer

Jr.

Javelin/Sprints

Iowa City, Iowa / Regina

Joey Moberg

Jr.

Sprints

St. Paul, Minn. / Johnson

Lars Molenkamp

Fr.

Distance

Almere, Netherlands / Oostvaarders College

Sam Mollet

So.

Throws

Jeferson, S.D. / Bishop Heelan (Iowa)

Owen Montreuil

So.

Mid-Distance

Jordan, Minn. / Jordan

Aidan Morey

So.

Sprints

Omaha, Neb. / Creighton Prep

Kieran Murnan

Fr.

Sprints

Lakeville, Minn. / Holy Angels

Connor O’Brien

Fr.

Distance

Belle Plaine, Minn. / Belle Plaine

Emanuel Popoca

Jr.

Sprints

Minneapolis, Minn. / Bloomington Kennedy

Vincent Pyne

Fr.

Sprints

Rosemount, Minn. / Rosemount

Noah Rose

Fr.

Jumps

Excelsior, Minn. / Minnetonka

Nathaniel Sanders

Fr.

Sprints

Wyoming, Minn. / Forest Lake

Jaxon Sawyer

Fr.

Sprints

San Jose, Calif. / Bellarmine College Prep

Zach Schaffer

Jr.

Jumps

Chaska, Minn. / Chaska

Alex Seiler

Jr.

Jumps

Albany, Minn. / Albany

Abdul Sesay

Fr.

Sprints

St. Paul, Minn. / Harding

Liam Sheeley

Jr.

Distance

Edina, Minn. / Holy Angels

A.J. Skinner

Jr.

Distance

Rogers, Minn. / Rogers

Josh Sletta

Sr.

Sprints

Madelia, Minn. / Madelia

Cooper Smith

Fr.

Hurdles

Alvarado, Minn. / East Grand Forks

Nick St. Peter

So.

Distance

Maple Grove, Minn. / Maple Grove

Cole Stencel

Fr.

Distance

Mapleton, Minn. / Maple River

Gavin Swift

Fr.

Distance

Emmetsburg, Iowa / Bishop Garrigan

Aidan Thomas

Jr.

Distance

Blaine, Minn. / Totino-Grace

Anthony Thurk

Jr.

Multi

St. Bonifacius, Minn. / Waconia

Keenan Turqueza

Sr.

Throws

Ewa Beach, Hawaii / Radford

Rylan Turqueza

Fr.

Throws

Ewa Beach, Hawaii / Radford

Alec Ungar

Jr.

Jumps

Eden Prairie, Minn. / Chanhassen

Elijah Wade

Sr.

Jumps

Waco, Texas / Vanguard College Prep

Anthony Willier

Fr.

Throws

St. Paul, Minn. / Mounds View

Andrew Withuski

Fr.

Pole Vault

Wahpeton, N.D. / Wahpeton

Wyatt Witschen

Fr.

Sprints

Monticello, Minn. / Monticello

8

Head Coach • Academic All-Americans (6) • Academic All-District (9) • MIAC’s Elite 22 Award (5): Carter Grove in 2023 (indoors and outdoors), Tommy Allen in 2022 (indoors and outdoors), Matthew Burgstahler in 2018 (outdoors)

JEREMY KARGERGATZOW Jeremy Karger-Gatzow is in his ninth season as the Johnnies’ head track and field coach in 2023-24. He replaced Tim Miles, who announced his retirement as head track and field coach following the 2015 season after 36 seasons at SJU.

AWARDS & HONORS • National Champions (2) • All-Americans (25) • All-Region (91, 31 indoors and 60 outdoors) • All-MIAC (182, 71 indoors and 111 outdoors)

Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) coach of the year at Minnesota-Morris and sent 13 student-athletes to the national meet during his tenure, in which six earned NCAA Division III All-America honors. He built Morris’ co-ed track and field roster from 12 in his first season to over 50 in 2015. In addition to his coaching duties, he taught ACCOMPLISHMENTS various courses in the sport studies and Karger-Gatzow was named the MIAC athletic departments.

Indoor Track & Field Men’s Coach of Karger-Gatzow served as an assistant the Year in 2022 and the MIAC Outdoor track and field coach at Bryant University Track & Field Men’s Coach of the Year in in Rhode Island for two seasons from 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2023. Ryan Bugler 2000-02 before leaving to enroll in ‘17 won SJU’s fifth individual national graduate school at the University of Illinois championship outdoors in the steeplechase at Chicago. He was a teaching assistant in in 2016 and finished fourth in the event various anatomy and kinesiology courses in 2017. The Johnnies’ 4x100-meter relay there and completed his master’s degree in team won the NCAA Division III title in 2019 movement sciences in 2005. and Ryan Miller ‘21 finished second in the 100-meter dash.

PERSONAL A native of Glenwood, Minn., KargerPAST EXPERIENCE Gatzow was a 1996 graduate of A 2000 graduate of Hamline, Karger-Gatzow Minnewaska Area High School. He and his was a four-year sprinter on the Pipers’ track wife, Erica, have two children. and field team. He was a seven-time Upper

Assistant Track and Field Coaches TIM MILES Saint John’s 1976 grad Tim Miles coached at Cretin High School in St. Paul from 1976 through 1979, then returned to Saint John’s in 1979 as head coach of cross country and track and field. Miles led the track and field team for 36 seasons (1980-2015) and still assists with the program.

JOE VARDAS Vardas is a 1994 graduate of St. Cloud State University where he also completed his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology in 1997. Vardas excelled in the short sprints and especially in the triple jump as a collegian. His knowledge of biomechanics makes him an excellent technician and teacher. He is a USA Track and Field level II coach in the jumps and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Vardas has coached eleven All-Americans in the long and triple jumps and javelin.

Vardas was the 2020 Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year for his outstanding work with his athletes.

JOHN POLLACK Pollack is a 2010 graduate of the University of Minnesota and returned to earn a Master’s Degree in Education.

Pollack has been coaching the Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s pole vaulters since 2015. His vaulters continue to break the school records and routinely qualify for National Championship meets.

Pollack, the former Mounds View vault coach, continues to work with high school athletes by conducting a winter pole vault clinic. In his spare time, Pollack enjoys watching his favorite movie “Willow.”

MAXWELL KUZARA Saint John’s 2017 grad Maxwell Kuzara returned as an assistant coach in the spring of 2021 and was very well received as he brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion. Kuzara was named SJU’s head cross country coach in 2023. Kuzara was an assistant coach at Minnetonka High School, his alma mater, for four years before returning to Saint John’s. At Minnetonka he ran for and coached alongside distance running legends Jeff Renlund, Steve Hoag, and Jerry McNeal.

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FACILITIES

MILES TRACK AT CLEMENS STADIUM An incredible setting named after a true legend. That perfectly describes Miles Track at Clemens Stadium on the campus of Saint John’s University. The regulation-sized, eight-lane, 400-meter track was installed inside the ‘natural bowl’ setting of historic Clemens Stadium as part of a facelift to the facility in 1997 that also included the construction of a new press box and concession area. In May of 2019, the track was named in honor of Tim Miles, the longtime head cross country and track and field coach at the school. Miles stepped down as head track coach in 2015 after 36 seasons on the job. During that time, he won MIAC Outdoor Coach of the Year honors six times (1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011). Thirty-eight Johnnies won conference titles at the MIAC indoor meet and his athletes collected 94 titles outdoors. At the national level, Johnnie athletes put together 61 NCAA Division III All-America performances under his watch. He remained as head cross country coach until announcing his retirement in August of 2023.

THE DONALD MCNEELY SPECTRUM Since its construction in 1998, the Donald McNeely Spectrum has been the primary indoor home for Saint John’s University track and field. The 60,000-square-foot facility, designed by Ellerbe Becket Architects, features an eight-lane, 200-meter track.

The facility has been upgraded in recent years, including the installation of new video and record boards prior to the start of the 2024 season.

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TEAM FINISHES YEAR FINISH (POINTS) INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Third (10 teams, 72) Fifth (10 teams, 50) Fourth (10 teams, 62) Fourth (10 teams, 60.5) Fourth (10 teams, 61) Seventh (10 teams, 47) Sixth (10 teams, 50) Eighth (10 teams, 41.5) Sixth (11 teams, 67.5) Fifth (11 teams, 76.5) Sixth (11 teams, 79.5) Fifth (11 teams, 76) Second (11 teams, 153) Fourth (11 teams, 78) Fourth (11 teams, 104) Fifth (11 teams, 73) Seventh (11 teams, 61) Fifth (11 teams, 80) Fourth (11 teams, 95.5) Third (11 teams, 116) Third (11 teams, 104) Third (11 teams, 111) Second (11 teams, 124) Second (11 teams, 114.5) Fifth (11 teams, 75) Seventh (11 teams, 44) T-Fourth (11 teams, 72) Seventh (11 teams, 42.5) Fifth (11 teams, 73) Fourth (11 teams, 79) Fifth (11 teams, 61) Third (11 teams, 90) T-Fifth (11 teams, 63) Fifth (11 teams, 71) Third (11 teams, 103) Fourth (11 teams, 85) No Championships Champion (11 teams, 185) Second (11 teams, 141.5)

2011 Team

2022 Team

OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

Fifth (5) Unknown Unknown Unknown Fifth (Six teams, 16) Seventh (Seven teams, 10) Fifth (Seven teams, 9) Sixth (Seven teams, 13) Third (Four teams, 19) Champion (Six teams, 56.5) Fourth (Seven teams, 26) Sixth (Eight teams, 20) Third (Seven teams, 44) Second (Six teams, 36) Fifth (Seven teams, 15) Third (Nine teams, 32) Fifth (Nine teams, 11) Sixth (Eight teams, 6) Third (Eight teams, 27) Fifth (Eight teams, 23) Fifth (Eight teams, 22) Fourth (Eight teams, 24) Third (Eight teams, 37) Fourth (Eight teams, 34) Champion (Eight teams, 56) Champion (Nine teams, 54) Third (Eight teams, 34) Fourth (Eight teams, 21) Second (Eight teams, 36) Second (Eight teams, 56) Third (Eight teams, 34) Fourth (Eight teams, 28) Seventh (Eight teams, 11) Fourth (Eight teams, 22) Third (Eight teams, 39) Second (Eight teams, 78) Third (Eight teams, 53) Champion (Eight teams, 71.5) Champion (Eight teams, 102) Champion (Eight teams, 90) Champion (Eight teams, 77) Third (Eight teams, 57) Fifth (Nine teams, 79) Second (Nine teams, 115) Second (Eight teams, 104) Third (Nine teams, 69) Third (Nine teams, 87)

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Second (Nine teams, 92) Second (Nine teams, 128) Second (Nine teams, 121) Fourth (Nine teams, 84) Third (10 teams, 80) Third (10 teams, 90) Second (10 teams, 125.5) Third (10 teams, 120) Second (10 teams, 140) Second (10 teams, 121) Fourth (10 teams, 85) Second (10 teams, 116.5) Third (10 teams, 105.5) Second (11 teams, 136.5) Second (11 teams, 115.5) Second (11 teams, 134) Second (11 teams, 156.5) Champion (11 teams, 211) Second (11 teams, 163.5) Champion (11 teams, 217.7) Third (11 teams, 111.5) Third (11 teams, 117) Third (11 teams, 111) Second (11 teams, 148.5) Second (11 teams, 188) Champion (11 teams, 172.5) Second (11 teams, 161.3) Champion (11 teams, 225) Second (11 teams, 161.5) Second (11 teams, 125.0) Sixth (11 teams, 73.0) Champion (11 teams, 141.0) Fourth (11 teams, 101.0) Second (11 teams, 116.0) Fourth (11 teams, 108.0) Sixth (11 teams, 75.0) Second (11 teams, 156.5) Seventh (11 teams, 76.0) Third (11 teams, 114.5) Second (11 teams, 131.0) No Season Second (11 teams, 135.0) Champion (11 teams, 218.25) Second (11 teams, 216)

MIAC INDOOR CHAMPIONS

2022

MIAC OUTDOOR CHAMPIONS

1939, 1957, 1958, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2022. 2023

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ALL-TIME RECORDS INDOOR TRACK & FIELD RECORDS

60 200 400 600 800 1000 Mile 3000 5000 60 4x200 4x400 DMR Long Jump Triple Jump High Jump Pole Vault Shot Put Weight Heptathlon

6.91 22.19 49.86 1:22.21 1:54.04 2:27.71 4:11.75 8:22.4 14:31.02 Hurdles 8.0 1:29.06 3:21.40 10:05.89 7.06 14.75 2.10 5.00 16.83 18.18 5118

Ryan Miller (2020)/Kevin Arthur (2022) Drew Schoenbauer Kevin Horton Michael Marschel Michael Marschel Thomas Feichtinger John Mathews Jim Gathje Chris Erichsen Don Kluk Drew Schoenbauer, Max Martin, Jack Young, Ryan Miller Mike Frericks, Jeff Pribyl, Tom Frericks, Chuck Moorse Tommy Allen, Brady Labine, Alexei Hensel, Mitch Grand Erik Diley Eric Buss Maguire Petersen Drew Dockendorf Darwin Dumonceaux Eli Mollet Maguire Petersen

2019 2013 2003 2004 2016 2003 1985 2008 1970 2019 1981 2022 2009 2009 2020 2020 1999 2022 2022

Shawn Schindler

Thomas Feichtinger

OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD RECORDS

100 200 400 800 1500 5000 10,000 110 H 400 H Steeplechase 4x100 4x400 4x800 Long Jump Triple Jump High Jump Pole Vault Shot Put Discus Hammer Javelin Decathlon Hammer Javelin Decathlon

10.22 21.15 48.44 1:50.16 3:48.46 14:19.70 29:57.8 14.0 51.97 8:39.80 40.65 3:14.02 7:38.60 7.30 14.91 2.09 4.90 17.63 51.20 59.17 68.10 6932 59.17 67.80 69.32

Ryan Miller Kevin Arthur Ryan Murray Tom Hoffman Thomas Feichtinger Brian Smith John Cragg Don Kluk Michael Leither Jim Gathje Jack Young, Kevin Arthur, Brady Labine, Ryan Miller Peter Allen, Mike Leither, Derek Johnson, Steve Dalhed Brian Racette, Bill Seidl, Greg Cook, Chuck Way Erik Diley Eric Buss Nick Welshons Shawn Schindler Darwin Dumonceaux John Sowada Tim Juba Brett Hague Maguire Petersen Tim Juba Tom Engwall Maguire Petersen

2019 2023 1993 2011 2015 1983 1970 1971 2007 1985 2022 2007 1971 2008 2007 2014 2021 1999 1983 2011 2023 2022 2011 2003 2022

Kevin Horton

Eric Buss 16

ALL AMERICANS (Top Eight at National Meet; the top six were All-American through 1985)

NAIA

1959 1960 1968

1988 Jerry Schoenecker (Fifth, two mile) Jerry Schoenecker (Third, steeplechase) Jim Holmes (Fifth, high jump) Dave Lamm (Third, 200 meters) John Cragg (Second, six mile) Chuck Ceronsky (Second, steeplechase) Don Kluk (Sixth, 120-yard hurdles)

1989 1990

1970 – Chuck Ceronsky (Second, steeplechase) John Cragg (Second, six mile) Don Kluk (Sixth, 120-yard hurdles)

1994 1995 1996 1999

1969 1970

NCAA

NAIA

1971

NCAA

1971

NAIA

1972

NCAA

1972

Don Kluk (Indoor: Fourth, 60-yard hurdles) Don Kluk (Third, 120-yard hurdles) Mike Kremer (Fifth, steeplechase) Joe Skaja (Indoor: Fifth, two mile) Mike Kremer (Fourth, steeplechase), Joe Skaja (Third, 5000 meters)

NCAA DIVISION III

1974 1975

NAIA

1978

Rudy Sawyer (Second, triple jump) Greg Traxler (Fifth, 440-yard hurdles) Mike Bauer (Fifth, 440-yard hurdles)

2000 2003

2004 2005 2006 2007

Joe Perske (Fourth, marathon)

NCAA DIVISION III

1979 1980 1981 1982 1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

Nort Hatlie (Second, steeplechase) Joe Metzger (Second, 10,000 meters) Mike Frericks (Sixth, 400-meter hurdles) Mike Frericks (Fifth, 400-meter hurdles) Chuck Moorse (Sixth, 800 meters) Doug Clark (Sixth, steeplechase) Brian Smith (Second, 5000 meters) Brian Smith (National Champion, 5000 meters) John Sowada (Fourth, discus) Jim Gathje (Fourth, steeplechase) John Gathje (Fourth, 5000 meters) Charlie Mahler (Seventh, 10,000 meters) Jim Gathje (National Champion, steeplechase) Charlie Mahler (Third, 5000 meters) Dean Daninger (Indoor: Sixth, shot put) Jim Gathje (National Champion, steeplechase) Wade Weisz (Fourth, javelin) Joe Bohlke (Eighth, 10,000 meters) Dean Daninger (Indoor: Third, shot put) Dean Daninger (Fourth, shot put)

17 GoJohnnies.com

2008

2009

2011 2013 2016 2017 2019

Joe Bohlke (Sixth, 10,000 meters) Dean Daninger (Indoor: Fifth, shot put) Dean Daninger (Sixth, discus) Pat Jennrich (Indoor: Fifth, 35-pound weight) Wade Weisz (Seventh, javelin) Kraig Runquist (Seventh, 1500 meters) Scott Lindell (Fifth, steeplechase), Kraig Runquist (Fifth, 1500 meters) Paul Chestovich (Eighth, 1500 meters) Dan Besemann (Seventh, decathlon) Jeb Myers (Seventh, steeplechase) Darwin Dumonceaux (Indoor: Fourth, shot put) Darwin Dumonceaux (National Champion, shot put) John Guertin (Seventh, steeplechase) Steve Kimble (Sixth, decathlon) John Krueger (Third, 10,000 meters) Tom Engwall (Fourth, javelin) Mike Marschel (Sixth, 800 meters) John Mathews (Indoor: Fourth, 1500 meters) Paul Ferber (Fifth, triple jump) Mike Marschel (Indoor: Fifth, 800 meters) Paul Ferber (Indoor: Eighth, triple jump) Derek Johnson (Seventh, 400-meter hurdles) Eric Buss (Seventh, triple jump) Erik Diley (Fifth, long jump) Chris Erichsen (Second, steeplechase) Chris Erichsen (Indoor: Fourth, 5000 meters) Chris Erichsen (Fourth, 5000 meters) Michael Leither (Second, 400-meter hurdles) Eric Buss (Indoor: Third, triple jump) Eric Buss (Seventh, triple jump) Erik Diley (Fifth, long jump) Chris Erichsen (Second, steeplechase) Chris Erichsen (Second, 5000 meters), Chris Erichsen (Indoor: Sixth, 5000 meters), Kelly Fermoyle (Eighth, 10,000 meters) Eric Buss (Indoor: Third, triple jump) Eric Buss (Sixth, triple jump) Erik Diley (Indoor: Seventh, long jump) Brayden Wagner (Sixth, decathlon) Brayden Wagner (Eighth, pole vault) Tom Hoffman (Fourth, 800 meters) Tim Juba (Fifth, hammer throw) Thomas Feichtinger (Eighth, 800 meters) Ryan Bugler (National Champion, steeplechase) Ryan Bugler (Fourth, steeplechase) Nick Gannon (National Champion, 4x100-meter relay) Brady Labine (National Champion,

4x100-meter relay) Ryan Miller (National Champion, 4x100meter relay) Ryan Miller (Second, 100-meter dash) Drew Schoenbauer (National Champion, 4x100-meter relay) 2020* Drew Dockendorf (Indoor, pole vault) Ryan Miller (Indoor, 60-meter dash) Maguire Petersen (Indoor, high jump) Michael Wallace (Indoor, triple jump) Collin Trout (Indoor, triple jump) 2021 Kevin Arthur (Fourth, 4x100-meter relay) Drew Dockendorf (Sixth, pole vault) Brady Labine (Fourth, 4x100-meter relay) Ryan Miller (Third, 100-meter dash) Ryan Miller (Fourth, 4x100-meter relay) Maguire Petersen (T-Eighth, high jump) Shawn Schindler (Fourth, pole vault) Jack Young (Fourth, 4x100-meter relay) 2022 Brett Hague (Fourth, javelin) Maguire Petersen (Indoor: Sixth, heptathlon) Maguire Petersen (Fifth, decathlon) 2023 Kevin Arthur (Seventh, 100-meter dash) Brett Hague (Seventh, javelin) *the USTFCCCA awarded All-America honors to all national qualifiers due to the COVID-19 pandemic Prior to 1973 the NCAA was divided into the University and College Divisions. College Division schools were those which would be either Division II or Division III today. Beginning in 1985, All-American honors were given to the top eight finishers at the NCAA III outdoor championship rather than the top six. Saint John's athletes who finished 7th or 8th prior to 1985 include: Chuck Moorse, 1980, 800 meters, 7th; 4x400-meter relay team (Mike Frericks, Chris Longbella, Tom Frericks, Chuck Moorse), 1981, 7th; Bob Morris, 1982, steeplechase, 7th; Jim Gathje, 1983, steeplechase, 8th; Charlie Mahler, 1984, 10,000 meters, 7th…

Nick Gannon

Drew Dockendorf

Kevin Arthur

Brett Hague

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Senior Spotlight

Joe Charbonneau Pole vault, New Richmond (Wisconsin) High School

Keenan Turqueza Throws, Radford (Hawaii) High School

Elijah Wade Jumps, Vanguard College Prep (Texas) High School

What made you decide to attend SJU? I have two brothers who also attended SJU. Their experiences were one factor (in my decision). Another factor was the (Saint John’s Abbey) Arboretum and the opportunities it provides on this campus.

What has been the most memorable part of your time at SJU – in track or on campus?

The most memorable part of my time at SJU has been the whole experience itself.

Most everything I’ve seen here is new to me as a kid from Hawaii. But to go to into specifics, it would have to be the throwers’ dinners. Hands down, it’s one of the best (meals) you’re ever going to have - just you and your boys.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I can juggle.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I play the banjo.

What are some of your hobbies away from track and field?

Aviation, video editing and spending time with family and friends;.

What do you consider your greatest talent?

I have very strong willpower. I like to take on challenges, especially those that are challenging and have a high percentage of failure. That’s ultimately how I grow as a person. If you ask my Mom, or people that know me, they’ll say I’m very stubborn.

Tommy Allen Distance, St. Paul Academy High School

Danny Kloeppner Distance, Champlin Park High School

What made you decide to attend SJU? Everything made sense. I liked the campus, community and coaches when I visited. SJU is obviously a great school that has supported my future career goals.

It’s been a great decision.

What made you decide to attend SJU? My brother went here and I love the campus.

What are your post-graduation plans?

To be a high school social studies teacher.

Arboretum

What are some of your hobbies away from track and field?

Playing piano and guitar, reading, rock climbing and cycling.

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Senior Spotlight

Kevin Arthur Sprints, Champlin Park High School What made you decide to attend SJU? I decided to attend SJU because I received great support financially from the institution.

Pierre Deutschlander Sprints, Maple Grove High School What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My favorite spot is at the track because I feel all my life problems are on pause when I’m having fun and grinding.

What are your post-graduation plans?

My plans are to continue my career in marketing while keeping up with my track training.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I am a Greek God at rollerblading.

Carson Davis Mid-Distance, New Prague High School

Kaleb Dewall Throws, Red Wing High School

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The road leading up to the foot bridge.

When the trees have leaves on them, it’s a well-shaded and beautiful walk.

What is your favorite song/musical artist?

My favorite song is “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

Jaeden Frost Throws, Omro (Wisconsin) High School What has been the most memorable part of your time at SJU – in track and/ or on campus?

Being able to be part of both the football and track teams and meeting friends I will have for a lifetime.

What are your post-graduation plans?

To become an air traffic controller.

Carter Grove Distance, Osakis High School

What is your favorite food?

Kraft Mac & Cheese - the only meal I can cook to perfection.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I enjoy listening to classical music.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I want to get a job in advertising and create ads that will annoy everyone.

What do you consider your greatest talent?

Finding joy in small victories. It helps me keep a positive mindset.

22

Senior Spotlight

Max Doom Pole vault, Edina High School What has been the most memorable part of your time at SJU – in track and/ or on campus?

Every time we’ve won an MIAC championship has been special. We have high expectations for our guys each year and we all push each other every day to be the best version of ourselves. To see it pay off is always so rewarding.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I have been given and accepted the opportunity to live and serve in Hanga, Tanzania through the Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps (for a year) after I graduate this May and I’m so excited (to start) my time there.

Jacob Gathje Distance, Mount Michael Benedictine (Nebraska) High School What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The grassy area by Lake Sagatagan across from the intramural softball fields. It’s a beautiful spot to look out over the lake.

We met there for cross country practice for two of my seasons at SJU, so it holds some sentimental value for me too.

Logan Hennen Pole vault, Prior Lake High School What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The weight room. It’s the ultimate bro zone.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I had two pet birds as a kid - Sadie and Felix.

What made you decide to attend SJU? Family connections connected me to SJU, but it was ultimately the opportunity to be involved in multiple activities across campus that drew me here. I was involved in a wide range of activities in high school, and I wanted to continue doing many of them in college. I couldn’t do that at a larger school.

Adam Collins Sprints, Mounds View High School What made you decide to attend SJU? The simple answer is that both of my parents went here. But I really liked the track facilities and coaches, the CSB/ SJU community and the arboretum.

Additionally, I received the best financial aid package, which was also a big factor.

Lake Sagatagan

23 GoJohnnies.com

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I have a little brother with Down Syndrome.

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Senior Spotlight

Josh Sletta Sprints, Madelia High School What do you consider your greatest talent?

I have a very projective voice, which comes from my time in theater as well as football. The guys on the track team would agree with me on this. I’m always calling out which lanes we’re running in so no one walks in front of us during training.

What are some of your hobbies away from track and field?

I absolutely love going to the movie theater, as well as finding hidden gem restaurants that have amazing menus. I also like performing in theater and hiking in the woods.

Dan Eickhoff Pole vault, St. Cloud Cathedral High School What has been the most memorable part of your time at SJU – in track or on campus?

What I cherish most are the people I met along the way. There were many things that drew me to CSB and SJU, but my friends and teammates are the reason I stayed. From the little moments - people holding doors or saying hello to one another as they walk across campus - to the bigger memories - like game night with my roommates or bus rides with the track team after an away meet - the people I met here are truly special. I may move on in life, but the smiles and laughter will stay with me forever.

Alexei Hensel Distance, Buffalo High School What are your post-graduation plans?

To work in the environmental field, then (attend) graduate school in environmental engineering.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I’m from Belarus.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the fieldhouse. That’s because, while I may have had a long and stressful day, as soon as I show up to practice, I leave all my troubles behind.

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Scholarships Provide Opportunities for Miller in Saint John’s Athletics Graham Miller ’25 has embraced his passion for sports photography during his time at Saint John’s University in ways he feels wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

As a freshman, the communication major and art minor from Victoria, Minnesota worked in the athletic media relations office at the College of Saint Benedict, and last year he worked as a photographer for Saint John’s athletic media relations director Ryan Klinkner ’04.

“I get the chance to see the action from the sidelines and capture moments most fans don’t get to see,” Miller said. “I love my job and I take my position seriously. I’m getting the chance to explore what I want to do.

“It can be hard getting access to sporting events at bigger schools, or to find a student job on campus that would allow me to do this. I was fortunate when I came to Saint John’s that I was able to find people right away who supported me and wanted to have me on the team creating images for them.”

Miller, the youngest of four siblings, said coming to Saint John’s wouldn’t

Photo by Graham Miller 27 GoJohnnies.com

have happened if not for scholarships.

He receives the Stephen Slaggie Scholarship, the Abbott Baldwin Dworschak Scholarship, the Cyril Pesek Scholarship, the Tse You Kai Scholarship, an academic achievement scholarship, an art scholarship and an alum referral scholarship.

“Scholarships have been a really big help for me,” Miller said. “If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been able to attend Saint John’s. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to receive a great, wellrounded education.”

conversations and an in-person or virtual site visit. It allows student participants to both network and explore the value of their liberal arts degree when it comes to future careers.

Miller was paired with James Slagle ‘09, the director of enterprise accounts at Shift4, a financial services company.

Slagle has experience in sports marketing in the athletic departments at the University of Florida, the University of Minnesota and the University of Southern California.

“It’s great to have the chance to connect with an alum and learn from them,” Miller said. “They share their experience and stories about their career and you pick up skills you might not get in other places.”

Klinkner said Miller is a pleasure to work with and his skillset is rare to find in an underclassman.

Miller hopes to work in the work in the sports digital media industry after graduation.

“Graham has been impressive since day one, both in his abilities as a photographer and his professionalism,” Klinkner said.

“Athletic photography typically demands a long learning process, but that was not the case with Graham. I am excited for Graham’s future and to see how he will continue to enhance Johnnie athletics over the next two years.”

He is so grateful to the donors who have helped make it possible for him to chase that dream.

Miller also took advantage of the Student Exploration through Alum Mentoring (SEAM) program where students are matched with alum mentors for informational interviews, networking

“I still remember how it felt receiving my acceptance letter in the mail. I knew at that moment that this was the right place for me, and that feeling hasn’t changed.

It’s amazing to know there are so many people out there who care about making this possible. The Johnnie and Bennie network is really something remarkable.”

Photo by Graham Miller

Gary Fasching

SJU Head Football Coach

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TRACK & FIELD IN THE SJU J-CLUB HALL OF HONOR John McDowell ’64 (Inducted 2019)

McDowell

John McDowell ’64 holds the distinction of having played for not one, but two legendary head football coaches.

At Saint John's University, the 1964 graduate was a two-time All-American and two-time All-MIAC selection under the tutelage of John Gagliardi, who would go on to become college football's alltime wins leader. McDowell was a key member of the 1963 Johnnie team that won the first of Gagliardi's four national championships in Collegeville, playing on both the offensive and defensive line.

Then, after graduating, he went on to a six-season professional career in the NFL and Canadian Football League, the first season of which was spent with the Green Bay Packers – then led by legendary coaching icon Vince Lombardi.

But it wasn't just football where McDowell excelled. He was also a member of the Johnnies' basketball team and a standout in track and field, winning four MIAC titles in the discus and two in the shot put.

John Cragg ’71 (Inducted 2019) John Craig ’71 finished his collegiate career as a three-time AllAmerican in cross Cragg country and twice earned All-American honors in track and field.

Jim Gathje ’86 (Inducted 2021) Jim Gathje ’86 had a standout career at SJU on both the trail Gathje and track. He finished in the top 10 at the MIAC meet in cross country twice, including a championship as a senior in the fall of 1985 – the same season in which he finished 19th at the Division III national meet.

But it was in track and field that he made his biggest impact, specifically in the steeplechase – an event that blends distance running, hurdling and water jumps.

That mixture proved uniquely suited to Gathje's skill set. He finished in the top eight at the Division III national outdoor meet all four years during his time with the Johnnies, winning back-to-back national titles in 1985 and '86. His best time in the event - 8:39.80 in 1985 - remains both a school and Division III record 35 years later.

Cyril Paul ’59 (Inducted 2022) Cyril Paul ’59 was on one of the top sprinters in school history.

As a freshman in 1956, Paul joined with twin brothers Kevin '58 and Keith '58 Hughes to form the core of a mile relay team that went on to win three-straight MIAC Paul

titles. Paul ran the anchor leg. The team went through the 1956 season unbeaten, breaking the school record three times, including at the conference meet.

Paul won both the 100 and 220-yard dash as a sophomore in 1957 - helping SJU capture its first conference team title in 18 years. His time in the 100 that season (9.9 seconds) was an MIAC record, and his school records in both events would stand until they were broken by Dave Lamm '68 in the late 1960s.

Dave Lamm ’68 (Inducted 2022) Dave Lamm ’68 was a five-time MIAC outdoor champion sprinter who earned NAIA AllLamm America honors in the 200-meter dash as a senior.

During his first season at SJU in 1966, he won the 100 at the MIAC meet, but had to settle for second in the 220 after a stumble. He returned to win both events

He finished second in the nation in cross country as a sophomore and junior in 1969 and '70. Meanwhile, his time of 28:52.31 at six miles in track and field – recorded in 1970 - converts to a faster time in the 10,000 meters than any Johnnie runner has yet been able to achieve at that distance.

Cyril Paul

29 GoJohnnies.com

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TRACK & FIELD IN THE SJU J-CLUB HALL OF HONOR Continued... as a junior in 1967, then repeated the feat as a senior in 1968 when he earned the Randy Bartholomaus Memorial Trophy as the meet's most valuable performer. He set conference records in both events.

As a junior, Lamm qualified for the 100 at the 1967 NAIA national meet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota - failing to make the finals in an event won by Texas Southern's Jim Hines who went on to win two gold medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City before playing briefly in the NFL. He qualified for nationals in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes as a senior in 1968 (because it was an Olympic year, the NAIA national meet used the Olympic distances), finishing third overall in the 200 in a time of 21.3 seconds (hand timed), which stood as a school record until it was broken by current senior Kevin Arthur in 2022. His time in the 100 at the meet (10.4 seconds) stood as a program mark until 2018, when it was first broken by Ryan Miller ’22.

Chris Erichsen ’08 (Inducted 2023) Chris Erichsen ’08 is one of the most decorated cross Erichsen country and track athletes in school history.

Erichsen finished third in the 800 at the MIAC indoor meet and third in the 1,500 at the MIAC outdoor meet as a freshman in 2005. And he was just getting started.

As a sophomore, he won conference titles in the mile (indoors) and 1,500 (outdoors) while finishing second in the 800 (indoors).

As a junior, he placed sixth at the MIAC cross country championships, then placed first in the 1,500 and 5,000 (outdoors) and second in the mile (indoors) in track.

He finished fourth in the 5,000 at both the NCAA Division III indoor and outdoor national meet, and finished second in the

Darwin Dumonceaux ’99 (Inducted 2023) Darwin Dumonceaux ’99 earned All-MIAC Dumonceaux honors in the shot put five times and All-American honors twice – including as a senior in 1999 when he won a Division III outdoor national championship with a throw of 57-10 ¼ (17.63 meters).

That made him the first SJU track and field athlete to capture a national title since Jim Gathje won the 3,000-meter steeplechase in both 1985 and '86.

The national championship capped a season in which he'd finished fourth in the shot put at the Division III indoor meet, then won the MIAC outdoor title after having finished as conference runner-up three times (1997 outdoor, 1998 indoor and 1999 indoor). He had previously won a conference indoor title in 1997.

31 GoJohnnies.com

Darwi Dumonceaux

3,000 steeplechase – an event he he'd just taken up that season.

Erichsen again finished second in the event as a senior in 2008 – capping a final year that saw him win the MIAC title in cross country and finish third nationally, then add conference track titles in the steeplechase, 1,500 (outdoors), mile (indoors) and 5,000 (indoors and outdoors). He also finished second in the 800 (indoors) and the 10,000 (outdoors). He placed sixth in the 5,000 at the Division III national indoor meet and second in the 5,000 outdoors.

His competitive drive didn't dissipate when he graduated from SJU. Erichsen continued to pursue competitive distance running, qualifying for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon where he finished 40th out of the 85 top runners in the nation.

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KEVIN ARTHUR Kevin Arthur had much to be proud of following last May’s NCAA Division III outdoor track and field meet.

The Saint John’s University standout sprinter finished seventh overall in the 100-meter dash, earning individual All-American honors for the first time in his career.

“My goal is to take full advantage of every opportunity I have left.”

And yet … he felt the picture was still incomplete.

“I wasn’t feeling the way I wanted to feel,” the Champlin Park High School graduate recalls. “Yes, I was an All-American. Yes, I finished seventh in the 100, which is the highest I’d placed (at nationals) individually.

But it didn’t feel quite right.

“The year before, when we finished in fourth place in the 4X100 (relay), I was a lot happier. This time, it felt like there was a void that still needed to be filled.”

Filling that blank space, then, is what led Arthur to return to Saint John’s to use the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted all student-athletes as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

“After my last race at nationals, I remember thinking I was done as a college athlete and that finality really hitting me,” Arthur said.

“But then I reminded myself I had another year of eligibility left if I wanted it. So I had a decision to make.”

A decision that revolved, at least in part, around wanting to accomplish some very specific goals.

• No. 1 – Helping lead the Johnnies’ 4X100 team back to the national meet. SJU won the MIAC outdoor title in a time of 41.11 seconds a year ago, but just missed the national field after finishing 14th in the event in 2022, 4th in 2021 and winning a national title in 2019 (there was no meet in 2020 due to COVID-19).

• No. 2 – Finishing in a time of under 21 seconds in the 200-meter dash – an event in which he holds the school record with a mark of 21.15.

33 GoJohnnies.com

He qualified for nationals in that event a year ago as well, but did not advance out of prelims.

“My time is right there,” he said. “I thought I could (break 21 seconds) at nationals last season, but that race didn’t go my way. I was in an inside lane and I wasn’t used to it. I struggled a bit with the curve.

That was frustrating. So that’s something I focused on quite a bit in training this fall – working on curves.”

Indeed, for the first time in his college career, Arthur spent this past fall focused on track and field. Prior to that, he’d been part of the SJU soccer team for three seasons.

“I think it helped having that time to focus,” said Arthur, who has now qualified for outdoor nationals in the 100 the past three seasons. “I loved playing soccer.

But it’s a very different sport. The running form in soccer and track and field is not the same. Focusing on track allowed me to work on things like acceleration that I think will be really beneficial this season.”

Arthur could have transferred to a Division I school for his final year of eligibility, but said he feels comfortable at SJU. “I’ve worked with my head coach (Jeremy Karger-Gatzow) for a long time now and I’ve recorded personal bests every season,” he said. “If something isn’t

broken, why fix it. Knowing what things are like in Division I programs, I felt my best chance to have the most success was here at Saint John’s.”

Karger-Gatzow, of course, is thrilled to have Arthur back in the fold.

“He’s a great athlete, but it’s more than that,” Karger-Gatzow said. “He has an incredible personality and he makes it fun for the other guys around him. He works hard and sets a great example for our younger runners. He encourages everyone.

Having a guy like that around makes everyone better.”

Arthur is currently completing an internship with Intemark, a marketing firm in the Twin Cities. He plans to pursue a career in the marketing field when his time at SJU ends this May. He also hopes to continue competing in track and field in some fashion.

But before all that, he has one final collegiate season left in front of him.

“Knowing this is my final season, I want to make sure I run each race hard and give it my all every time I step on the track,” he said. “My goal is to take full advantage of every opportunity I have left.”

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