IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine women's and men's track and field teams opened up the indoor season with a ton of victories during their recent road trip to Nebraska. In a span of 48 hours, the Eagles competed in both the Prairie Wolf Invite in Lincoln and also the Polar Dog Invite in Seward which was hosted by Concordia Nebraska.

Overall the women's squad posted four wins against Concordia Nebraska and five total while the CUI men earned two victories on the trip.

Among the impressive showings from the Green and Gold, Damie Zomerschoe broke the school record in the women's pole vault on Saturday by clearing the bar at 3.27 meters (10-08.75). The junior was named the CUI Women's Field Athlete of the Week on Tuesday.

In the same meet, Sara Feitz won the 1000m run and Anamauri Hernandez crossed the line first in the 5000m run. Freshman Emily Aresenau also finished fifth in the shot put at Saturday's Polar Dog Invite.

Tamia Prince won two events in two days, including the 60mH at the Prairie Wolf Invite.  Her time of 8.74 puts her 13th in the nation. She also won the 60m dash in 7.83 seconds.

Junior Madison Hergert finished runner-up Friday at the Prairie Wolf Invite in the 400m dash. Hernandez also snatched a personal-best mark in the 3000m race on Friday and was named CUI Women's Track Athlete of the Week.

"I thought freshman Emily Aresneau and Sara Feitz did great on Saturday," said CUI head coach Keegan Bloomfield.  "Damie breaking the school record was something we've believed she could do for a long time now.  It's great to see her have that success on a travel trip.  We'll look to get better over the next two weeks as we build towards UNM and GVSU."

On the men's side, freshman distance runner Jose Munguia shined in the spotlight and raced away with a win in the mile at the Polar Dog Invite. Click here to watch a video clip of the victorious Munguia crossing the finish line.

Senior Ryan Ross stood out with a personal best in the men's 60m dash taking second place on both Friday and Saturday. His Friday time clocked in at a speedy 7.11 seconds. Ross was named CUI Track Athlete of the Meet for the men on Tuesday. Likewise, Jaylen Newman had a big trip and continued to impress with a PR in the shot put the first day of competition. The CUI Men's Field Athlete of the Week then responded by putting up a PR in the weight throw on the second day of action.

Miguel Ayala took home a third place finish and earned an indoor personal best in the men's 800 on Friday at the Prairie Wolf. CUI freshman Jason St. Pierre also ran a near personal best on the same track. Meanwhile, Eagles sophomore Michael Ervin took home fifth in the men's high jump and was just one centimeter short of his personal best on Friday.

"Overall I'm pleased with how we came out and competed," added Bloomfield.  "We talked with the team about winning races, moments, and battles within the meets.  A lot of our marks and times will come as the season progresses and training starts to show."
 
For the full CUI track and field schedule, click here.