Johnnie track and field kicks off 2026 season with pair of home meets

The SJU Track and Field team recently kicked off their indoor season with two home meets on Jan. 24 and 30. The team has been preparing since the fall for the beginning of the season. The Johnnies have three meets remaining in their indoor season before the MIAC Championship at the end of the month. Senior distance runner Nick St. Peter is excited about the start of the season and said the first two meets went well.

“These early meets are about getting back into racing, knocking off any rust and preparing for bigger meets ahead,” St. Peter said.

Coming into the indoor season, the team’s goal is to win the MIAC Championship.

“On the distance side of things, our goal is to continue improving every day. We also believe we can go out and break the DMR [Distance Medley Relay] record again this season. Everyone from that team has returned, so we like our chances at breaking this record again and making a run at a national meet bid,” St. Peter said.

St. Peter is also excited for the mix of new and returning athletes to the team.

“We have a pretty big freshman class this year who all have the potential to develop into very solid runners. I look forward to seeing what this group can accomplish,” St. Peter said.

After an injury-ridden fall season, St. Peter said the returning runners are excited for a healthier track season and feel confident in their ability to run well this season. Being his senior season, St. Peter is most looking forward to the opportunities for him this season. After dealing with an injury most of the fall, he is excited to be healthy, fit, and ready to give everything he has for his final track season.

Senior sprinter Brennan Blake is also excited about the beginning of the season after solid performances
in the first two meets. Heading into the indoor season, the team’s goal is to have as many guys qualify for the MIAC Championships as possible.

“The goal is simple and it’s to win the MIAC. Each specific event group focuses on qualifying as many guys as possible. Workouts have started to pick up more as the season has progressed. It’s inevitable that some guys will run into some minor injuries, so rehabbing those is crucial to our team performance,” Blake said via email.

From the sprint side, Blake is excited about the mix of new and returning athletes to the team.

“We have some dawgs this year. Although we have been hit by a few injuries, we have guys that will rise to the occasion. Confidence is still high along with the anticipation and excitement for the MIAC Championships,” Blake said via email.

Being his senior season, Blake is looking forward to this final season with his team.

“I simply want to push my body to the max and see how much I can excel before my time is up. Soaking in this last semester. Not rushing a single thing. Love my guys and our coaches, so cherishing this season as much as I can. It would be excellent to end on an indoor/outdoor MIAC Championship sweep,” Blake said via email.

Head Coach Jeremy Karger-Gatzow said the first two meets were a good assessment of the team.

“It is our first chance to see the first-year athletes compete. The season kicked off with our annual alumni meet, and we had a great turnout with over 40 alumni showing up to compete against the team,” Karger-Gatzow said.

Heading into the season, Karger-Gatzow has one goal for his team.

“We want to develop athletes with consistent training in a supportive environment. If we accomplish that, the individual performances will lead to team success,” Karger-Gatzow said.

The team has been preparing for the season since September and progressed throughout the fall and winter.

“They have dedicated a great deal of time to prepare for these early meets and finally are able to see the results of their dedicated work,” Karger-Gatzow said.

After impressive performances so far, Karger-Gatzow is excited to see this continue throughout the season and what this team can accomplish. Karger-Gatzow is looking forward to helping the team this season.

“I just want them to give it their best shot and, the good Lord willing, things will work out,” Karger-Gatzow said.

The Johnnies’ next meet will take place this weekend at the University of Minnesota.