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to strut their stuff on the Division III's biggest stage
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SMU Qualifiers
Amanda Weinmann Shot put Autumn Valk 55 hurdles Megan Mason High jump |
Friday and Saturday, three of those SMU athletes — Amanda Weinmann (Rochester, Minn.), Autumn Valk (Appleton, Wis.) and Megan Mason (Rochester, Minn.) — will get to strut their stuff on the nation's biggest stage.
And SMU coach Kirk Nauman couldn't be happier.
"When you consider that we had people on the national (qualifying) list in eight events — more than we've had in an indoor and outdoor season combined — that says a lot about the type of season we've enjoyed this year," said Nauman. "And then to get three athletes — three very deserving athletes — through to the national championships, that's the frosting on the cake."
But, warned the Cardinal trio — who are all making their first-ever national championships appearance — just getting there isn't enough.
"Making it to nationals was something I thought about, but never really focused on completely," said Valk, whose will compete in the 55 hurdles — thanks to a school-record national-qualifying time of 8.44. "My focus has always been geared toward the importance of each meet and doing my personal best every time I stepped on the track.
"Even with all the hype that goes with competing at a national meet, I am going to try and treat it like a regular indoor meet," continued Valk. "I always knew that nationals would be the ultimate reward. As a senior, I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to compete at the national meet.
"My goal is easy — run my race."
The events will be different, but the goals are the same for Weinmann and Mason.
"I'm excited to be included in a group of some of the best track athletes in the country, including Megan and Autumn," said Weinmann, who punched her shot put ticket to the national meet with a school-record throw of 42-11 3/4. "It makes all the hard work worth it.
"I don't really know what to expect (at the national meet), but I do know that anything can happen at a meet like this," continued Weinmann, the school's record-holder in both the shot put and the weight throw. "My goal is to take care of myself — to PR and end my indoor season on a positive note."
"This weekend is all about having fun and enjoying being there," said Mason, who will compete in the high jump, after qualifying with a leap of 5-5 3/4. "While doing well in the competition is important — and I would love to improve my mark — it's more about the experience."
According to Nauman, no matter where the SMU trio finish in their respective events, their national championships appearances speak volumes to just how far the Cardinal track and field program has come.
"We've made great strides as a program," said Nauman, noting that SMU's three national qualifiers are the most of any Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference school this year — men's or women's. "Three years ago, people could care less if Saint Mary's was competing at a meet they were hosting. Now, I think people realize we are definitely an up-and-coming program that can't be taken lightly.
"I honestly believe that if (Valk, Weinmann and Mason) put together the type of performances they are capable of, anything can happen."