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Being able to receive production from both the experienced upperclassmen and the relative newcomers has been vital to the team’s success thus far, especially considering the unfortunate injuries that have hurt the team. Losing junior Brandon Gleason and senior Drew Jones hasn’t helped the team. Both athletes are capable of providing first and second place finishes when healthy.

When asked how he felt about strong performances from underclassman, Lehner responded, "It definitely boosts the team energy, because you know there are guys that are coming up and who are scoring and being top in the conference. It doesn't rely solely on your upperclassman.

Peterson in particular looks to have a very bright future as a thrower for the Pipers. The 2006 Minnesota state champ can already boast strong and consistent play as a first-year.

An obvious obstacle for both men’s and women’s track has been the surly April weather. Not only has the weather put a damper on practice and preparation, but the cold weather cancellations and postponements as well as the meets themselves were difficult earlier this month.

“It’s hard to practice when it’s 20 below,” added Lehner. “Our first meet got cancelled. Another meeting got moved inside. Another meet had 30 mile-per-hour wind at times.” Yet according to Lehner, the biggest challenge the weather presents is psychological. “It’s a big mental thing. You know going in that it’s going to be hard to run against the wind, to put up good times. It’s just something you have to get over with yourself.”

The women’s team has been less successful numerically, but also faced the task of losing some top senior athletes from last season. The Pipers still have a solid core of upperclassman and leadership. For example, senior Dana Luiken has had a tremendous year thus far. She broke the school record in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.16 seconds; this also stands as the best in the MIAC this season. At the Bison Classic last weekend, Luiken posted a NCAA provisional qualifying mark in the heptathlon with a score of 4,346. This score puts her at first in the MIAC and eighth in the nation.

Senior Amanda Jones makes up another key of the women’s team. Her strong play this season, including a second place finish in the discus at the Manitou Classic last weekend, has helped establish her as one of the top throwers in the MIAC.

Junior Sara Burns has also done well this season, posting top 10 finishes as well as adding a win in the 800 meter race.
The men’s team has a legitimate chance at season's end to make noise at the conference meet. With a successful season still in the works, the athletes still have their eye on the big prize.

“One thing you have to realize is like a football or basketball game, you’re playing to win,” said Lehner. “With track, no other meet really matters until conference. It all matters when everyone runs and everyone puts down their times.”

The women’s team will have a great chance at posting strong times and scores, and will likely continue to improve with their underclass players. After all, success breeds success.