Overview: The UW-Milwaukee women's track and field team won the Horizon League's outdoor championship last week, three months after winning the league's indoor season.
The UW-Milwaukee women's track and field team took home the Horizon League championship with a score of 193.5 last week in Rochester, Michigan.
The Milwaukee women’s track and field team completed the sweep last week, taking home the outdoor championship three months after winning the indoor rendition. The team garnered 193.5 points in their victorious competition in Rochester, Michigan with senior Natalie Block and sophomore Anelise Egge highlighting a terrific weekend by each taking home a crown in their respective events.
After finishing the 2023 outdoor season with a silver medal in the Horizon League championship, Milwaukee wanted more.
“There’s an expectation that we’re going to get something that we were supposed to have last year,” said head women’s track and field coach, Andrew Basler. “The championships are going to start going through Milwaukee if anyone wants to get them.”
While winning championships is certainly among the program’s goals, Milwaukee focuses on something deeper than merely what takes place in athletic competition. The coaches want great individuals on their team who can battle adversity throughout the long season.
“As a coaching staff, we really try to develop the individual,” said Jake Reilly, women’s distance coach and four-time Horizon League Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year. “It’s developing the individual physically, mentally and personally as well.”
Smashing program and Horizon League records, Natalie has been a testament to this mindset and coaching style. When her leadership and positive impact on teammates is clear, both on and off the track.
“Coming to Milwaukee,” Egge said about her teammate, “I wanted to be like Natalie Block.”
Natalie has achieved unparalleled success in her time in Milwaukee – she holds the program records for both the 400-meter and 100-meter hurdle. Along with that, she has taken home a plethora of awards including the 2024 Outstanding Runner of the Meet award at the Horizon League championship. She’ll represent the Panthers at this weekend’s NCAA west preliminary rounds in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
“I’m happy with where I am right now,” said Block, who academically is a senior but has remaining athletic eligibility. “But there’s always a want for more.”
Egge has built a fine resume herself – the sophomore standout helped propel Milwaukee to the Horizon League championship with a competition-best 4:35.23 showing in the 1500-meter race. Not only that, but she also placed second in the 800-meter competition with a time of 2:12.87.
Players and coaches alike were thrilled to watch the women achieve what they set out for, both on a personal and team level.
“It’s a good feeling,” said Block. “Especially with the championship – it’s good seeing everyone have success.”
Basler added: “The long hours you put in and the sacrifices you make… It’s exciting watching them accomplish something that you’ve been really trying hard to build for.”
Block will be joined by teammate Tabitha Wechlo at the preliminary rounds this weekend. Wechlo, a senior, holds the program record for shotput with a throw of 15.33 meters.
The men fell just short in their championships, finishing second behind Youngstown State. Golden Cotton won three events and took home the Outstanding Runner of the Meet award. Liam Richards earned men’s Freshman Field Athlete of the Year.
Wechlo competes in the shotput at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, while Block will follow her up with the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdle events at 6:00 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. on Thursday.
On the men’s side, Anthony Campbell takes part in the long jump on Wednesday at 6 p.m., while Cotton’s 100-meter dash takes place at 7 p.m.