The UW-Platteville track and field teams continue to improve with each practice and meet. According to the Sports Information Web site, both of the track and field teams are nationally ranked by the U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association. The Pioneer men’s team is ranked 23rd while the women are ranked 25th.

“I can tell it’s only the middle of the season,” Jim Nickasch, eighth year head coach, said. “They will continue to train hard so they can be at their peaks to place better at conference this year.”

Photograph by Jodi Krautkramer

Nickasch said he believes the team will be strong in events such as the men’s sprints, the 400-meters, weight throws and pole vault.
Last year the men finished fourth and the women finished sixth as UW-P sent 11 athletes to last year’s Indoor National Championship in Ada, Ohio. The Pioneers had two national champions in the mens distance medley relay, and senior Jessica Scott winning the 800-meter for the women.

Scott said she’s hoping to defend her title in the 800. Working extremely hard to achieve that goal she is running more miles, weight training and on a strict diet to help improve her personal bests, along with repeating her national champion title.

The team participated in the Wartburg Select Invitational on Feb. 7. The men finished off strong in the field events, and ended up placing third as a team. The men’s pole vault had the top three finishes with seniors Scott Howard, Tony Fontanini and junior Jon Balciar vaulting 4.4 meters in the finals.

Senior Corey Digman came away with first place in the men’s shot put and weight throw while freshman Shane Lacy won the 800-meter.

Sophomore Ali Tank was the only event winner for the Pioneer women in the 500-meter run.

The Pioneers will play host to nine teams at the Nike/Impact Sports UW-P Invitational at 10 a.m. Sat., Feb.14.