Wingo Named Most Valuable Athlete at CCAC Championships

JOLIETT, Ill. - The Viterbo University Women's Track and Field Team placed second at the CCAC Outdoor Conference Championships Friday and Saturday. 

Olivia Wingo, who was named both the Women's Most Valuable Athlete and Outstanding Field Event Performer led the charge for the V-Hawks. Wingo showcased her incredible versatility by claiming 1st in the high jump (1.56m/5-1.5), placing 2nd in the pole vault with a mark of 3.80m (12-5.5) that not only met the NAIA A standard but also set a meet record. She also earned 2nd in the long jump (5.57m/18-3.25) and 2nd in the 100m dash (12.17), highlighting her dominance across multiple disciplines.

Emma Johnson shared the spotlight in the pole vault, tying for 1st with a meet-record jump of 3.80m (12-5.5) and an NAIA A standard. She also placed 3rd in the 100m hurdles (14.61), demonstrating her range in both field and track events.

Emily Ludwig put together a strong all-around performance, finishing 2nd in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.26 (NAIA B standard), 3rd in the pole vault (3.35m/11-0), and 3rd in the 400m hurdles (1:07.97).

Avery Poppe landed on the podium with a 3rd place in the long jump (5.44m/17-10.25), 5th in the 100m (12.45), and 8th in the 100m hurdles (15.67).

The jump squad stayed strong with Braylee Hyatt placing 5th in long jump (5.17m/16-11.5) and Lillia Chvatal grabbing 7th (5.05m/16-6.75). In the triple jump, Rhianna Robinson secured a 2nd place finish (11.08m/36-4.25), while Pearla Teko-Folly was 4th in both high jump (1.41m/4-7.5) and triple jump (10.73m/35-2.5), with Kaylee McLeod coming in 8th (9.95m/32-7.75).

In the throws, Kaylie Weidmeyer had a standout showing with 4th in discus (35.17m/115-5) and 8th in hammer throw (36.81m/120-9). Brooklyn Ludescher placed 5th in shot put (11.52m/37-9.5) and 6th in discus (33.92m/111-3), with Vanessa Wright close behind in 8th (32.93m/108-0). In the javelin, Martina McGrath and Isabel Rubenzer placed 7th and 8th, respectively.

Distance events were highlighted by Tori Gerber, who claimed 1st in the 5,000m (18:06.48) and 2nd in the 1,500m (4:46.76). In the steeplechase, Jolie Jager and Bernadette Frisch placed 7th and 8th, respectively, while Hannah Butler was 6th in the 10,000m (42:25.80) and Samantha Berndt took 8th (43:17.80).

Sprinter Lainey Teynor finished 4th in the 400m (1:00.68), while Madelyn Kassulke and Kendra Czerneski were 5th and 7th in the 400m hurdles, respectively.

Relay teams rounded out the team effort, with the 4x100m relay (Chvatal, Wingo, Poppe, Hyatt) placing 2nd in a time of 47.69. The 4x400m relay (Teko-Folly, Teynor, Geers, Pergande) ran 4:15.30, while the 4x800m squad (Thomas, Weyer, Frisch, Czerneski) took 6th in 11:01.06.

Assistant Coach Nick Pergande was also named Women's Track and Field Assistant Coach of the Year.