April 3, 2004

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Bemidji State track and field teams began the 2004 outdoor season Saturday at the Hamline Invite, held on the windy campus of Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. The Beavers earned five event wins on the day, led by the women’s relay teams, who posted victories in the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter events.

The 4x100-meter team consisted of freshmen Lindsey Gregg (Bemidji, Minn.) and Shauna McInerney (Rainy River, Ontario), junior Carla Perry (Lino Lakes, Minn.) and senior Caesare Stimson (Chisago Lakes, Minn.). Gregg, Perry and freshmen Nicole Friend (International Falls, Minn.) and Shelby McCrady (Montgomery, Minn.) combined to form the 4x400-meter squad.

Freshman Lindsay Bergeson (Trail, Minn.) was one of only three individual champions for BSU at the meet. Her 39-7 toss was more than a foot and a half longer than her nearest competitor. In addition to her key role on both relay teams, Gregg won the 400-meter dash with a time of 61.9 seconds. Both Bergeson’s and Gregg’s victories were the first of their collegiate careers.

Sophomore Sara Olson (Fairmont, Minn.) broke her own school record in the hammer throw, setting the new mark at 118-8. The throw earned her fourth place in the event, won by Carleton’s Liz Durham.

“It was a fantastic day for the women’s side,” head coach Craig Hougen said.

The Forest Lake Connection, consisting of junior Steve Schreiber and sophomore Adam Wilson, had its usual strong performance at the meet. Schreiber, the reigning Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference indoor and outdoor high jump champion, tied Minnesota’s Bryant Howe for first place in the event. Schreiber and Howe joined Josh Paulson, also a Golden Gopher, as the only three jumpers to clear 6-6 3/4. With a 50-9 1/2 hurl, Wilson claimed second place in the shot put, behind only Minnesota’s Adam Schnaible.

Several BSU athletes will now head over to Collegeville, Minn. to take part in the decathlon and heptathlon at the St. John's Multi. The two-day event is scheduled for Sunday and Monday.