BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (www.blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's track and field team began their quest for gold on Friday at the Birmingham Cross Plex during the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships. Gage Stankiewicz was the highlight of the day with a second place finish in the men's weight throw as the Blugolds had four other student athletes qualify for the finals in their respective events on day two.

Stankiewicz earned his fourth career podium placement and All-America honor on Friday afternoon with his career best throw of 19.52 meters. His second place finish, which was set in the third round, is the highest placement at a NCAA Championship either at UW-Eau Claire or UW-Superior, and is Gage's first weight throw placement after earning honors during the 2025 Outdoor Championships in the shot put and discus and the 2024 Outdoor Championships in the shot put.

Blake Postler earned himself a spot in the 60m hurdle finals after placing second in the first round. Postler, along with his teammates of Cameron Pease, Izaak Clendenning, and Nick Odom qualified for the 4x400 relay final after placing third overall in the prelims.

Jace Stolte sits in third place after day one of the heptathlon with 2922 points. Out of the 20 multi competitors, Stolte placed eighth in the 60m dash, long jump, and shot put, before placing second in the high jump to reach the top three before the end of the day. Stolte currently trails second place by 31 points and first place by 117 points.

Other Blugolds student athletes in action on day one included Soren Johnson in the weight throw, Tyler Botz placing 15th in the 60m hurdle prelims, and Reilly Templeton placing 17th in the 200m prelims. 

The Blugolds will gear up for the final day of competition on Saturday, March 14 at the Birmingham Cross Plex with four events featuring UWEC athletes in the finals. First events are set for an 11 a.m. EST start.

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