The Aurora University women's track team began 2023 by competing in the Karl Schlender Invitational hosted by University of Wisconsin Whitewater. The Spartans finished third out of seven teams with a score of 89 points. 

In her second collegiate track meet, freshman Rebekah Hannah cleared a high jump of 1.53 meters, granting her the win and the ninth best height in school history. Other scorers for the Spartans include freshman Keyara Bailey, freshman Averi Heintzelman, Skylar Gibbs, and Alayna Koehler. 

Deyanneira Colon Maldonado made her season debut by winning the 3000 meter run in 10:45.00. She ran her last lap in 37 seconds to overtake the second place finisher. She was joined in scoring for the team by Abby Liesen, Madison Etheridge, Emily Fetzer, and Shaley Gonzalez. The times for Etheridge and Gonzalez are personal bests. 

Hannah Cure and August Pautsch both ran top ten times in Aurora history in the 600 meter dash. Cure ran a time of 1:56.07, and Pautsch finished in 2:00.80. Those rank them sixth and ninth, respectively.  

Silja Erickson also joins Aurora's record book with a shot put throw of 11.58 meters. This result puts her ninth in school history. 

Kelsey Deck is now tenth in school history with her new personal best of 12.85 meters in the Weight Throw. This is a 1.46 meter improvement from her previous best throw. 

Complete results can be found here. 

Up next, Aurora will be hosting the Spartan Grand Prix at the Gately indoor track in Chicago, Illinois. The women will compete on Saturday, January 28th.