GRINNELL, Iowa – The Grinnell College track and field teams are coming off strong showings at the 2024 Midwest Conference Outdoor Championships, and they'll look to continue that in the 2024-25 campaign.

Coach Jeff Pedersen's squads travel to Pella for the Central College Dutch Invitational later today.

Following is Pedersen's assessment of the Grinnell squads:

Sprints
"We have a very strong group, led by All-American Lucas Fadden '26 (placed eighth in 100-meter dash at 2024 NCAA Division III Championships, 2024 Midwest Conference champ in 60 and 100, as well as 2023 MWC 100 and school-record holder in 60, indoor 200 and outdoor 100) and Caden Pfister '27 on the men's side and strong senior leaders Ava Taylor '25 and Maile Crowe '25 on the women's team," said Pedersen. "Judging by our December meet, we have a talented and deep group of sprinters this year.  There is a good mix of veteran experience and talented incomers.  This group will do damage to the top 10 lists."

Jumps
"This is the deepest group of horizontal jumpers we've had in some time," said Pedersen. "We have a good blend of veterans and newcomers. Casey Oliveira '27 and Millie Leonard '27 (ranks third in indoor triple jump at GC) were scorers at conference last year, and Eleanor Elliott-Rude '25 and Melanie Oden '25 have scored in the past. Jesse Miller '28, Ty Leonard '28, Rajanea Landers '28 and Lily Mayo '28 highlight the incoming group. Jack Novelle '26 leads the way for the high jump group, while Mayo will also score well.  In the pole vault, Luca Fornari '25 (ranks second in indoor pole vault) is knocking on the door of the school record and hopefully can take it down.  He is also serving as a valuable mentor to first years Rohan Thota '28 and Leah Barringer '28."

Throws
"We have more depth than in the past," said Pedersen. "Kylie Galowitz '26 (ranks third in hammer), Maddy Strovers '26 (ranks third in weight throw), Sara Booher '25, Ian Clawson '26 (school-record holder in weight throw and hammer throw) and Jake Bell '27 are all-conference throwers and Travis Chu '25 is poised for a breakout year. Looking ahead to outdoors, Jake Bell '27 and Cole Delaney '27 lead the way.  We've also added four first-year throwers, giving this group a bright future.

Mid-Distance 
"We should have the usual depth and talent," said Pedersen. "In recent years the conference has been very competitive in the mid-distance events, but we'll be right in the mix. Andy Chestovich '26 and Luke Robinson '26 (school-record holder in indoor mile) are strong on the men's side and Hannah Roark '26 had a great sophomore campaign.  There is an abundance of talent and depth with the first- and second-years, it will be fun to see who emerges."

Distance
"The distance group will be led by Connor Heagy '26 (ranks second in indoor mile) and Sam Beck '27 on the men's side, while a strong steeplechase corps of Crystal Kaczmarczyk '25, Hannah Roth '27 and Diana Barba '25 will lead the women's distance group," said Pedersen. "Similar to the mid-distance crew, there is plenty of depth and it will be exciting to see who emerges."

Hurdles
"Xavier James '25 (ranks third in 60 hurdles), Ilem Leisher '27 (school-record holder in 60 hurdles) and Jessie Goodman '27 are returning all-conference scorers," said Pedersen.  "Jacob Schomberg '28 and Josie Shiraz '28 add talent to that group."
 
Midwest Conference
"Both teams have had second-place finishes in recent years," said Pedersen. "We're always working to break through and win a conference championship, but as we've gotten deeper and better, so has the rest of the conference. This should lead to some exciting conference championship meets. If things break right, we will be in the mix, but we could just as easily finish fourth or fifth. It'll be fun to watch it play out."