T&F Shows Strong Improvements at Panther Tune-Up

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Marquette University track and field team wrapped up its regular-season indoor schedule with a strong showing at the Panther Tune-Up in Milwaukee on Saturday, highlighted by more than 30 personal bests and a new top‑10 program mark.

In the women’s sprints, Kassidy Papa tied her personal best in the 60 meters at 8.03 seconds, while Kieran Petrie won the 400 meters in a PR of 59.69. The women’s mid-distance group delivered one of the day’s strongest sets of improvements. Four Golden Eagles recorded PRs in the 800 meters: Allison Opalka (2:26.21), Mia Nutile (2:26.65), Alexa Overstreet (2:26.89) and Kaylie Earl (2:27.69). Nutile later added another PR in the mile, and Maggie Jortberg also posted a personal best in the event.

In the hurdles, Olivia Verden ran a PR 9.37 in the 60‑meter final after Sylvia Fochesato set her own PR of 9.88 in the prelims. Field events added several standout efforts, including a personal-best 3.58 meters from Papa in the pole vault and a PR in the shot put from Libby McCarthy.

The biggest women’s mark of the day came from Megan White, who threw 17.81 meters in the weight throw—a personal best that moved her to No. 8 all‑time at Marquette.

On the men’s side, Frankie McGee led the way in the sprints with personal bests in both rounds of the 60 meters, finishing second in 7.02. Charlie Dutmer, Louis Hebson and Russell Czerwinski also notched PRs during prelims.

In the mid‑distance events, Charlie Richardson (1:59.17) and Edgar Valles (1:59.61) took the top two spots in the 800 meters with PRs, while Alika Lugo added another personal best.

Will Allen kept the momentum going with a six‑second PR of 4:13.69 to win the mile. In the jumps, Henrik Rosario and Cole Donahe each hit PRs in the long jump, while Drew Klopcic added a personal best in the triple jump.

The throwers closed the meet with a series of improvements. Alex Matzke, Charlie Smith, Gus Kasun and Rosario each recorded PRs in the shot put, and Sebastian Kubas added a personal-best 15.78 meters in the weight throw.

UP NEXT

MU now sets their sights on the 2026 BIG EAST Indoor Track and Field Championships next Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28, in Chicago, Ill.

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NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.