Prairie Track & Field Podcast

Williston, ND native Eleni Lovgren has only raced twice this season for South Dakota State University, but don’t let her lack of racing fool you. The 2025 First-Team All-Summit League honoree is leading the Jackrabbits into this weekend’s Summit League Championships with a winning mentality. Listen to Eleni share about her season thus far, how she’s grown at SDSU after beginning her career at Division II Augustana University, and what she and the Jackrabbits look to accomplish at this weekend’s Summit League Cross Country Championships.

Jade Rypkema transferred to NDSU to be closer to home and to reset both mentally & physically, and what a reset it's been. In her first cross country season with the Bison, Rypkema has recorded top-10 finishes at each of her three meets, resulting in two Summit League Peak Performer of the Week honors along the way. Listen to Jade share about the joy she's running with this season, the adjustment to a new team & new training, and what she and the Bison are looking forward to at next weekend's Summit League Championships.

Growing up in Omaha, Ainsley Anderson grew up dreaming of wearing a University of Nebraska-Omaha jersey some day. Now the junior is off to a career-best start in her junior cross country season at UNO, posting personal bests in the 5K at her first two meets of the season. Listen to Anderson share about the "scary goals" she's set for herself, how she's using a blend of experience and confidence to propel her this season, and what she and her UNO teammates are looking forward to at The Summit League Cross Country Championships.

With approximately one month to go in the march towards The Summit League Cross Country Championships, there's been a ton of great racing all across the conference. On today's mid-season update, Ryan & Cam reflect on the season thus far, what's at stake over the next several weeks, and what to look forward to at the 2026 Summit League Cross Country Championships.

Maddie Cabana raced to second-team All-Summit League honors last season at the 2025 Summit League Cross Country Championships with her 13th-place finish. With another season of training under her belt, the Oral Roberts University junior is ready to run it back. Listen to Maddie share about her training and the pursuit of she and her Golden Eagles teammates goals for the 2026 cross country season.

MJ Foster and the 'Roos of UMKC started their season at the Bob Timmons Classic, with Foster leading the way in a new personal best 6K. MJ, the 1500m bronze medalist from the 2026 Outdoor Championships, and his teammates are ready to push UMKC up the Summit League ranks. Listen to Foster share about his commitment to his training, his relationship with Coach Clif Mitchell, and he and his teammates' shared vision of taking the 'Roos to new heights.

Geneva Timmerman and the USD Coyotes opened their season with a bang, with Timmerman winning the individual title at the Augustana Twilight and the 'Yotes picking up the team victory over rival SDSU. Geneva's performance was worthy of the Summit League Peak Performer of the Week award, the first of her career. Listen to Timmerman share about her award-winning race, how she is carrying her momentum from last season into her 2026 campaign, and what she and her USD teammates hope to accomplish this season.

Matěj Hrebacka's name may be difficult to pronounce, but his resume does the talking. A two-time All-Summit League performer in cross country, Hrebacka is ready to help lead the Fighting Hawks to what he hopes is their first league title this fall. Listen to Hrebacka share about his summer back home in Europe, how European cross country has prepared him for racing in the States, and what he and the Fighting Hawks hope to accomplish on the cross country course this fall.

Sean Korsmo's name is all over the North Dakota High School All-Time lists in the distance events. After a championship-caliber career at Bismarck High, Sean's talents took him to Tulsa, where he became the 2nd North Dakotan to run sub-4 in the mile. Listen to Sean share both the highs and lows of his time at Tulsa, the importance of betting on yourself, and why in the end, what really matters most is enjoying the moment.

Kaden Pastian is one of North Dakota's most decorated prep throwers of all-time - and that includes a junior season wiped out by COVID. Listen to Kaden share his story of early success, resiliency, and hard work throughout his collegiate career.

Jak Urlacher is bringing the deepest pole vault competition ever assembled in North Dakota history to the streets of his hometown, Grand Forks. On July 11th, pole vaulters from across the region and nation will compete on North 3rd Street at The Ark Downtown Street Vault. Make plans to head to downtown Grand Forks to see this high-flying spectacle for yourself!

Alex Pratt can hoop, but it’s on the track where she has really balled out. The former Division I basketball player turned sprint phenom has been a major contributor for the St. Thomas women’s track & field program. A 5-time school record holder and a 2-time Summit League champion, Alex looks forward to one last Summit League Outdoor Championships and the opportunity to lead the Tommies in their pursuit for a podium team finish.

Anya Williams is a triple threat jumper, competing in the long, triple, and high jump events for the UND Fighting Hawks. She’s also a triple threat when it comes to breaking records. In a span of three weeks, the UND sophomore broke the school’s high jump record and the triple jump record – twice. Listen to Anya share about her growth & development in the jumping events, how she balances track & field with her hectic schedule as an aviation student, and what she and the UND Fighting Hawk women aim to accomplish at the 2026 Summit League Outdoor Championships.

Artwell Magake of Oral Roberts is fresh off a school record in the 1500m at the Arkansas Twilight. The Oral Roberts junior has been a staple in the Golden Eagle distance program the past several seasons, showing both his speed & strength in track & cross country. While coming so close to the podium on multiple occasions, Artwell is seeking his first Summit League medal and hopes to earn one this weekend at the 2026 Summit League Outdoor Championships. List the #4 ranked 1500m in the conference share about his life growing up in Zimbabwe, finding the sport and Oral Roberts, and what...

Avyn Urbanski has been a steady presence for the Omaha Mavericks in the sprints during her first several seasons with the Mavericks. To follow up her 7th place finish in the 100m at the 2025 Summit League Championships, Avyn’s been on a tear this outdoor season. She set a new personal best in the 200m a few weeks ago and finds herself ranked high on the conference performance list heading into next week’s championships. Listen to Avyn share about her development in the sprints, her love for the 4x100m relay, and what she and the Mavericks are look...

Ryan Benson has always been a true multi-event athlete. After winning state titles in events ranging from the hurdles to the long jump in high school, the Chester, SD native took his talents to SDSU to learn even more events. There Benson has become a two-time All-Summit League performer and a senior leader for the Jackrabbits. Listen to Benson share about his journey of learning the multi events, how he finds joy in competing, and how he plans to live in the moment and enjoy the final weeks of his outstanding collegiate career.

Mikael Grace has evolved into not only one of the fastest hurdler's in The Summit League the past few seasons, but ever. The two-time Summit League 110m hurdle champion and USD record holder shares his story of progressing from 15.3 to 13.5 seconds in the hurdles, the bond between he and his hurdles coach (and former USD record holder) Teivaskie Lewin, and what it's going to take for the 'Yotes to bring home a team title this outdoor season.

Zach McGlynn's may have been a walk-on, but he hit the ground running in the multi events. Now a first-team All-American in the heptathlon, Zach has established himself as one of the best athletes in the nation. As the outdoor season begins, Zach has his sights set on even bigger goals. Listen to him share about his journey from little known recruit to All-American, who to watch for on the Bison this outdoor season, and what he and the team hope to accomplish.

Rod DeHaven is a mainstay in the Jackrabbits track & field programs. The head coach for the past 20 years, Rod is no stranger to what it takes to be competitive at The Summit League conference meets. Listen to Rod share about the men's and women's programs at SDSU, including who to watch at this weekend's championships, and what it's going to take to "Reach the Summit."

Johnny Bezdicek is no stranger to speed. The St. Thomas junior has set two program records on the indoor track this season in the 200m and the 300m. As the Summit League Indoor Championships approach this weekend, Johnny is ready to leave his mark there as well. Listen to Johnny share about his record-breaking season, what he hopes to accomplish at the 2026 Summit League Indoor Championships, who to watch for on the Tommies, and he and his team’s goals at this weekend’s championships.

Jordan Wenger can jump. After establishing that he had ups with some insane high school basketball dunks, he took up high jumping and has never looked back. The 2025 Summit League Outdoor high jump champ has cleared new heights this season, including his new personal best of 7’1.5”. Listen to Jordan share his journey from high school basketball phenom to track star, what it’s taken to become a top-20 high jumper in the NCAA, and what he & the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles are looking forward to at next weekend’s Summit League Indoor Championships.

Louis Fanucchi is having a breakout season, beginning with a strong 3rd place finish at Summit League Cross Country Championships this fall and most recently a 4:00.02 mile. Fanucchi, a native of France, leads a deep UND distance squad that's ready to make a statement at the 2026 Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships. Listen to Louis share how he ended up at UND, what it means to run such a fast mile, and how he and the Hawks are ready to show out at this season's championship meet.

Meredith Richter boasts an incredible range, having been both the Mavericks top 400 meter runner and their top cross country athlete during her time at UNO. While her 2025-2026 indoor season has started slow due to injury, Meredith is ready to take what she learned from her freshman season and use it as she competes in the middle-distance events. Listen to Meredith share her story of experiencing the ups and downs as a freshman athlete in collegiate track & field, what she looks forward to this season, and what to watch for in the 2026 Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks.

Adison Kapitzke started her 2025-2026 season with a bang, throwing an indoor personal best in the shot put that’s currently #1 in The Summit League. After several trips to the podium at indoor & outdoor conference meets for runner-up finishes, the junior is ready to take another step to the top to win her first individual conference title. Listen to Adison share about her journey from competitive figure skater to thrower, her goals for this season, and why the 2026 Bison women’s team is one to be reckoned with.

Stephen Clunis has never won a medal at a conference championship meet. Would you believe us if we told you he’s ranked #11 in the entire country for the 60 meter dash?  The University of Missouri Kansas City senior ran 6.61 seconds in his first meet of the year and isn’t looking back, not just hoping to win a conference title but to compete on the NCAA’s biggest stage. Listen to Stephen share about his journey, including plenty of injuries and betting on himself to transfer to UMKC and start again as well as his individual & team goals for the 202...

Taya Yellow Mule has competed in many events, but settling on the triple jump has paid off. The University of South Dakota senior finished 2nd at the 2025 Summit League Outdoor Championships in the triple jump, earning a spot on the podium for the first time in her career. Listen to Taya share about her experiences of learning the long & triple jump, stepping up as a senior leader for the Coyotes, and her individual & team goals for the 2026 season.

Jake Leingang changed the game of running in North Dakota. One of the most decorated athletes in North Dakota history, Leingang went on to compete at the University of Oregon after an outstanding prep career at Bismarck High. Listen to Leingang recount his high school dominance, the highs and lows of attending one of the best running schools in the country, and what it took to truly become elite.

One of our favorite episodes of the year! Our 2025 North Dakota High School Cross Country Champions Owen Johnson (Class B Boys), Ruby Ihmels (Class A Girls), Claire Grinde (Class B Girls), and Owen Hintz (Class A Boys) join the podcast to discuss the 2025 season, their individual state titles, and post-season XC racing.

This week's Summit League Segment highlights the South Dakota State University and includes an interview with SDSU senior Cody Larson. Plus Kwik Star Peak Performers of the Week, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's Summit League Segment highlights the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks and includes an interview with UNO freshman Briley Early. Plus news from around The Summit League and more.

This week's Summit League Segment highlight the University of South Dakota Coyotes and includes an interview with USD sophomore Isaac Ochoa. Plus highlight of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the University of Missouri Kansas City Kangaroos and includes an interview with UMKC sophomore Mariah Belmont. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks and includes an interview with UND senior Jadyn Keeler. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the University of St. Thomas Tommies and includes an interview with UST junior Elsie Kmecak. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the North Dakota State University Bison and includes an interview with NDSU senior Jacob Knodle. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

Micade Shumway (Williston, ND) has no regrets on his running career. It helps when you've won a state team title in cross country and an individual conference title. What it took to get him there, however, was far from easy. Listen to Micade's inspiring story of finding the sport, believing in himself, and finding a balance between life and running.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles and includes an interview with junior distance star Abraham Chelangam. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

Shelby Frank is no stranger to success. After a wildly successful collegiate career, Shelby stepped into the ring as a post-collegiate at last weekend's USATF Outdoor Championships and qualified for the World Championships in the women's discus. Listen to Shelby share her journey, her experience qualifying for his first senior national team, and what's to come for the rising star.

Jak Urlacher (Grand Forks, ND) found the pole vault in high school after a suggestion from his head coach. Urlacher, who translated his background in gymnastics into the vault, would go on to become an All-American and the greatest North Dakotan to ever pick up a pole. Listen to Jak's insightful interview as he describes his growth in the sport and what it took to soar to new heights.

Sam Roller makes his NCAA Championships debut tomorrow in the javelin, an event he wasn't even solely recruited for.  Now Sam finds himself on the pinnacle of the NCAA track & field world with an opportunity to earn All-American status. Listen to the story of a kid from Thompson, ND chasing a dream and never giving up in his pursuit of reaching his potential.