Kearney, Nebraska – The Omaha track and field team kicked off their outdoor season campaign in Kearney, Nebraska on Friday for the Central Nebraska Challenge. 
 
Tania Gleason led the Mavericks on Friday with a first place finish in the 200 meter dash and a second place finish in the 100 meter dash. 
 
"I appreciated the change of perspective as the day went on and as a group were able to overcome different fears, from the weather conditions or first meet jitters," said head coach Cliff Cisar. "The team supported one another and leaned on each other for assistance and it was so fun to watch. Julia Niemeyer and Tania Gleason led the group with some impressive finishes amongst competition today. Although none of the marks were wind legal, it won't take away from confidence as we head into the Outdoor season."
 
In the 100-meter dash, Gleason secured second place with a time of 11.87 seconds. Close behind, Regan Barnard finished in seventh with a time of 12.03 seconds, while Emma Klein followed shortly after, clocking in at 12.48 seconds.
 
Grace Mustard and Lily Smith both earned spots in the top 10 in the 100-meter hurdles on Friday. Mustard claimed seventh place with a time of 15.18 seconds, while Smith followed closely behind in ninth, finishing with a time of 15.79 seconds.
 
Three more Mavericks finished in the top 10 of the 200-meter dash. Gleason led the way in first place with a time of 24.16 seconds. Ava Robinson followed closely, taking fifth place with a time of 25.02 seconds. Meanwhile, Regan Barnard finished ninth, crossing the line in 25.35 seconds.
 
Ava Robinson delivered a strong performance in the 400-meter dash, securing second place with a time of 58.39 seconds. Jocelynn Skoda finished in seventh place with a time of 1:00.98. 
 
In the 1500 meter race Lily Schwartz led three Mavericks with a seventh place finish, clocking in a time of 4:58.43. Maya Bergstrom finished in ninth place with a time of 5:01.14. Meredith Richter followed close behind with a time of 5:05.11.
 
"Great way to kick off our season! It's always exciting to shake off the rust, get back outdoors, and feel the team's energy in full force," said assistant coach Saskia Pingpank. "We picked up right where we left off—this time with even more momentum! With plenty of races and jumps under our belt today, we'll keep pushing forward as we look forward to next week!"
 
Julia Niemeyer led the team in the field events, earning second place in the long jump with a distance of 5.62 meters (18' 5.25"). Emma Klein followed closely behind, jumping 5.48 meters (17' 11.75"), which secured her fifth place. 
 
Niemeyer also placed fifth in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.61 meters (5' 3.5").
 
In the triple jump, both Ali Wiseman and Kate Kelly earned spots in the top 10. Wiseman finished in fourth place with a jump of 11.18 meters (36' 8.25"), while Kelly secured tenth place with a jump of 10.73 meters (35' 2.5").
 
"A very impressive start to the season by the  entire group," said assistant coach Thomas Stopak. "With some massive winds, this group made some incredible adjustments that allowed them to jump with great consistency and confidence. Julia Niemeyer had herself an incredible day and I am very proud of her and the whole jumps crew."
 
The Omaha track and field team returns to action on April 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada for the UNLV Rebels Elite.