Prairie Track & Field Podcast

Jak Urlacher is bringing the deepest pole vault competition ever assembled in North Dakota history to the streets of his hometown, Grand Forks. On July 11th, pole vaulters from across the region and nation will compete on North 3rd Street at The Ark Downtown Street Vault. Make plans to head to downtown Grand Forks to see this high-flying spectacle for yourself!

Alex Pratt can hoop, but it’s on the track where she has really balled out. The former Division I basketball player turned sprint phenom has been a major contributor for the St. Thomas women’s track & field program. A 5-time school record holder and a 2-time Summit League champion, Alex looks forward to one last Summit League Outdoor Championships and the opportunity to lead the Tommies in the...

Anya Williams is a triple threat jumper, competing in the long, triple, and high jump events for the UND Fighting Hawks. She’s also a triple threat when it comes to breaking records. In a span of three weeks, the UND sophomore broke the school’s high jump record and the triple jump record – twice. Listen to Anya share about her growth & development in the jumping events, how she balances track...

Artwell Magake of Oral Roberts is fresh off a school record in the 1500m at the Arkansas Twilight. The Oral Roberts junior has been a staple in the Golden Eagle distance program the past several seasons, showing both his speed & strength in track & cross country. While coming so close to the podium on multiple occasions, Artwell is seeking his first Summit League medal and hopes to earn on...

Avyn Urbanski has been a steady presence for the Omaha Mavericks in the sprints during her first several seasons with the Mavericks. To follow up her 7th place finish in the 100m at the 2025 Summit League Championships, Avyn’s been on a tear this outdoor season. She set a new personal best in the 200m a few weeks ago and finds herself ranked high on the conference performance list heading into nex...

Ryan Benson has always been a true multi-event athlete. After winning state titles in events ranging from the hurdles to the long jump in high school, the Chester, SD native took his talents to SDSU to learn even more events. There Benson has become a two-time All-Summit League performer and a senior leader for the Jackrabbits. Listen to Benson share about his journey of learning the multi events,...

Mikael Grace has evolved into not only one of the fastest hurdler's in The Summit League the past few seasons, but ever. The two-time Summit League 110m hurdle champion and USD record holder shares his story of progressing from 15.3 to 13.5 seconds in the hurdles, the bond between he and his hurdles coach (and former USD record holder) Teivaskie Lewin, and what it's going to take for the 'Yotes to...

Zach McGlynn's may have been a walk-on, but he hit the ground running in the multi events. Now a first-team All-American in the heptathlon, Zach has established himself as one of the best athletes in the nation. As the outdoor season begins, Zach has his sights set on even bigger goals. Listen to him share about his journey from little known recruit to All-American, who to watch for on the Bison t...

Rod DeHaven is a mainstay in the Jackrabbits track & field programs. The head coach for the past 20 years, Rod is no stranger to what it takes to be competitive at The Summit League conference meets. Listen to Rod share about the men's and women's programs at SDSU, including who to watch at this weekend's championships, and what it's going to take to "Reach the Summit."

Johnny Bezdicek is no stranger to speed. The St. Thomas junior has set two program records on the indoor track this season in the 200m and the 300m. As the Summit League Indoor Championships approach this weekend, Johnny is ready to leave his mark there as well. Listen to Johnny share about his record-breaking season, what he hopes to accomplish at the 2026 Summit League Indoor Championships, who...

Jordan Wenger can jump. After establishing that he had ups with some insane high school basketball dunks, he took up high jumping and has never looked back. The 2025 Summit League Outdoor high jump champ has cleared new heights this season, including his new personal best of 7’1.5”. Listen to Jordan share his journey from high school basketball phenom to track star, what it’s taken to become a top...

Louis Fanucchi is having a breakout season, beginning with a strong 3rd place finish at Summit League Cross Country Championships this fall and most recently a 4:00.02 mile. Fanucchi, a native of France, leads a deep UND distance squad that's ready to make a statement at the 2026 Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships. Listen to Louis share how he ended up at UND, what it means to run...

Meredith Richter boasts an incredible range, having been both the Mavericks top 400 meter runner and their top cross country athlete during her time at UNO. While her 2025-2026 indoor season has started slow due to injury, Meredith is ready to take what she learned from her freshman season and use it as she competes in the middle-distance events. Listen to Meredith share her story of experiencing...

Adison Kapitzke started her 2025-2026 season with a bang, throwing an indoor personal best in the shot put that’s currently #1 in The Summit League. After several trips to the podium at indoor & outdoor conference meets for runner-up finishes, the junior is ready to take another step to the top to win her first individual conference title. Listen to Adison share about her journey from competit...

Stephen Clunis has never won a medal at a conference championship meet. Would you believe us if we told you he’s ranked #11 in the entire country for the 60 meter dash?  The University of Missouri Kansas City senior ran 6.61 seconds in his first meet of the year and isn’t looking back, not just hoping to win a conference title but to compete on the NCAA’s biggest stage. Listen to Stephen share abo...

Taya Yellow Mule has competed in many events, but settling on the triple jump has paid off. The University of South Dakota senior finished 2nd at the 2025 Summit League Outdoor Championships in the triple jump, earning a spot on the podium for the first time in her career. Listen to Taya share about her experiences of learning the long & triple jump, stepping up as a senior leader for the Coyo...

Jake Leingang changed the game of running in North Dakota. One of the most decorated athletes in North Dakota history, Leingang went on to compete at the University of Oregon after an outstanding prep career at Bismarck High. Listen to Leingang recount his high school dominance, the highs and lows of attending one of the best running schools in the country, and what it took to truly become elite.

One of our favorite episodes of the year! Our 2025 North Dakota High School Cross Country Champions Owen Johnson (Class B Boys), Ruby Ihmels (Class A Girls), Claire Grinde (Class B Girls), and Owen Hintz (Class A Boys) join the podcast to discuss the 2025 season, their individual state titles, and post-season XC racing.

This week's Summit League Segment highlights the South Dakota State University and includes an interview with SDSU senior Cody Larson. Plus Kwik Star Peak Performers of the Week, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's Summit League Segment highlights the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks and includes an interview with UNO freshman Briley Early. Plus news from around The Summit League and more.

This week's Summit League Segment highlight the University of South Dakota Coyotes and includes an interview with USD sophomore Isaac Ochoa. Plus highlight of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the University of Missouri Kansas City Kangaroos and includes an interview with UMKC sophomore Mariah Belmont. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks and includes an interview with UND senior Jadyn Keeler. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the University of St. Thomas Tommies and includes an interview with UST junior Elsie Kmecak. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's The Summit League Segment highlights the North Dakota State University Bison and includes an interview with NDSU senior Jacob Knodle. Plus highlights of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.