The UNK track and field team delivered a commanding performance, winning 16 total events at its home meet Friday night, highlighted by senior Lily Novacek setting a new school record in the weight throw.
Novacek, a Kearney High graduate, shattered her previous best of 61-2 set last weekend in Seward, launching a throw of 63-6.75 to win the event by 10 feet. Her mark surpassed Tiara Schmidt’s 2021 school record of 63-1.50 and now ranks second in NCAA Division II this season, trailing only West Texas A&M junior Meadow Gallentine (64-1). On Jan. 25, Novacek recorded a personal best while throwing at the Concordia Classic in Seward. Novacek threw a 59-11.25 to launch her personal best, then topped that with an outstanding 61-2 to win the seeded throw. After her performance Friday night, Novacek ranks fourth in the country and first in the MIAA
Fort Hays State, Hastings College, Dodge City Community College and Garden City Community College athletes participated in the meet.
Omaha sophomore Reed Emsick paced the men’s 800-meter race, leading a strong Loper contingent with a winning time of 1:54.22. His converted mark of 1:51.75 currently ranks 17th in Division II. On the night, UNK swept the top three spots in four different events.
Holdrege senior Samantha Schemper cleared 11-10.75 to win the pole vault, moving up to fifth in program history, while Grand Island freshman Keira Jones nearly cracked the Lopers’ all-time top 10 in the high jump with a leap of 5-5.75. To crack the top ten Jones would need to jump 5-6, putting her into a four-way tie for ninth in school history. Other women’s event winners included Lincoln senior Kerra Smid (1,000 meters, 3:12.84), Broken Bow junior Anna Lindstrom (600 yards, 1:29.07), Overton junior Maeli Meier (800 meters, 2:16.83), Elsie freshman Kendyl Flaming (60 meters, 8.19) and York freshman Kassidy Stuckey (mile, 5:14.45).
On the men’s side, Kearney senior Colby Spangler continued his strong indoor season with a career-best triple jump of 48-4.75, moving up three spots to sixth on the all-time UNK list. Lexington freshman Will Kulhanek clocked his second 6.93 in the 60-meter dash to win, with Norfolk junior Jackson Clausen (6.94) finishing a close second.
Hastings sophomore Nolan Studley won the high jump (6-8.25), Kearney sophomore Zack Watson took first in the pole vault (14-10.25) and Monroe freshman Dylan Crumley claimed the long jump title (22-3.75). On the track, Firth junior Tanner Cooper won the 1,000 meters (2:36.47), and Bennington freshman Carter Diamond secured the 600-yard title (1:17.54).
UNK will travel to Maryville, Missouri., next weekend for the Bearcat Invitational, hosted by Northwest Missouri State. The next time the Lopers are back at home will be on Feb. 21 for the Loper Tune-Up, which is three weeks before the NCAA Indoor Championships.
