Upcoming Event: Track & Field versus NCAA First Round on May 28, 2026
Track & Field
vs NCAA First Round
The University of Utah Athletics
Ute Runners Hit the Road
6/21/1999 12:00 AM | Track & Field
February 2, 1999
SALT LAKE CITY - Only a select few of Utah's track and field team will be in action this weekend. Senior All-American Jeff Simonich will be in Indianapolis, Ind., to compete in the Cannon IV Classic, one of the premier indoor track meets in the country.
Simonich is trying to reach a national qualifying mark in the mile in order to compete in the NCAA national championships the first week of March.
Trying to become an All-American in two different indoor events, last weekend Simonich secured the first half of that goal by finishing third (7:57.61) in the 3,000 meter event at the prestigious Terrier Classic.
Simonich beat out four professional runners and now has the second fastest time in the nation for a collegiate runner in the 3,000. Simonich also broke the Utah school record by more than 25 seconds. Simonich has similar plans for this weekend.
" I am trying to qualify for nationals in the mile and break the school record (4:05). Automatic qualifying is 4:01, provisional is 4:05. I am in shape to run between 3:59 and 4:03. We just have to see how the race goes," says Simonich. "I am in great shape. If everything goes well I will come home with my third school record and will have qualified for nationals in the mile."
Six of Utah's track and field athletes will be in Lincoln, Neb., this weekend for the 25th Annual Frank Sevign/Husker Invite. Athletes from across the country had to hit a certain performance standard to be invited to this meet.
Senior Katherina Fatafehi and freshman Chantel Goldsberry will compete in the 20 lb. weight throw.
Senior Stacey Rhineer will compete in the triple and high jump.
Last weekend at the Motor Wilson Invitational in Logan, Fatafehi placed fifth in the weight throw (5103.75") with Goldsberry placing tenth (4608.00"). Rhineer took home a first place finish in the triple jump (3905.50") and a third place finish in the high jump (505.00").
For the men, juniors Travis Hildebrand, Chris Merkley and senior Dane Miller will compete in the 5,000 meters.
At the Snake River Open held earlier this season, Hildebrand and Miller posted seventh and eighth place finishes, respectively in the 5,000 meters (15:11.83, 15:14.04). Merkley had a ninth place finish in the 3,000 meters (8:52.79).
Coach Kyle Kepler celebrates 20 years at the helm of Utah Cross Country/Track & Field
Monday, August 11
Utah Cross Country's McKaylie Caesar Feature - A Medical Miracle
Tuesday, April 29
Our Voices: Episode 4 - Celebrating Black History Month
Friday, February 25
Our Voices: Episode 3 - Celebrating Black History Month
Friday, February 18