EMPORIA, Kan. — The Pittsburg State University men's and women's outdoor track & field teams made their 2022 season debut Saturday (Mar. 19) with a handful of throwers competing at the Emporia State University Spring Invitational and a small group of men's distance runners competing at the Colorado State University-Pueblo Early Bird Invitational.

At ESU, Konner Swenson secured three NCAA qualifying marks. He won the shot put (55-10.5) and the hammer throw (190-5) and placed fourth in the discus throw (172-0). Tucker Kiefer also placed third in the hammer throw (158-0) and Sam Thimmesch finished fourth in the shot put (51-7.25). Caleb Calvin also placed fourth in the javelin throw (196-9, PQ).

In the women's action, Madison Reese placed second in the javelin (144-10, PQ), while Camryn Williams finished third in the shot put (41-10.75) and fifth in the hammer (139-7). Chloe Bloom also placed fourth in the discus (131-10.

At Pueblo, Mason Strader tied a 54-year-old school record in the 800 meters with his second place time of 1:50.64. Walter Smith also ran that time in 1968. Strader also won the 1,500 meters in 3:47.33. Connar Southard also finished third in the 1,500 meters in a personal-best time of 3:50.00. Bryce Grahn finished second in the 3,000 meter steeplechase (9:27.90).