Prairie Track & Field Podcast

Mikael Grace has evolved into not only one of the fastest hurdler's in The Summit League the past few seasons, but ever. The two-time Summit League 110m hurdle champion and USD record holder shares his story of progressing from 15.3 to 13.5 seconds in the hurdles, the bond between he and his hurdles coach (and former USD record holder) Teivaskie Lewin, and what it's going to take for the 'Yotes to bring home a team title this outdoor season.

Zach McGlynn's may have been a walk-on, but he hit the ground running in the multi events. Now a first-team All-American in the heptathlon, Zach has established himself as one of the best athletes in the nation. As the outdoor season begins, Zach has his sights set on even bigger goals. Listen to him share about his journey from little known recruit to All-American, who to watch for on the Bison this outdoor season, and what he and the team hope to accomplish.

Rod DeHaven is a mainstay in the Jackrabbits track & field programs. The head coach for the past 20 years, Rod is no stranger to what it takes to be competitive at The Summit League conference meets. Listen to Rod share about the men's and women's programs at SDSU, including who to watch at this weekend's championships, and what it's going to take to "Reach the Summit."

Johnny Bezdicek is no stranger to speed. The St. Thomas junior has set two program records on the indoor track this season in the 200m and the 300m. As the Summit League Indoor Championships approach this weekend, Johnny is ready to leave his mark there as well. Listen to Johnny share about his record-breaking season, what he hopes to accomplish at the 2026 Summit League Indoor Championships, who to watch for on the Tommies, and he and his team’s goals at this weekend’s championships.

Jordan Wenger can jump. After establishing that he had ups with some insane high school basketball dunks, he took up high jumping and has never looked back. The 2025 Summit League Outdoor high jump champ has cleared new heights this season, including his new personal best of 7’1.5”. Listen to Jordan share his journey from high school basketball phenom to track star, what it’s taken to become a top-20 high jumper in the NCAA, and what he & the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles are looking forward to at next weekend’s Summit League Indoor Championships.

Louis Fanucchi is having a breakout season, beginning with a strong 3rd place finish at Summit League Cross Country Championships this fall and most recently a 4:00.02 mile. Fanucchi, a native of France, leads a deep UND distance squad that's ready to make a statement at the 2026 Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships. Listen to Louis share how he ended up at UND, what it means to run such a fast mile, and how he and the Hawks are ready to show out at this season's championship meet.

Meredith Richter boasts an incredible range, having been both the Mavericks top 400 meter runner and their top cross country athlete during her time at UNO. While her 2025-2026 indoor season has started slow due to injury, Meredith is ready to take what she learned from her freshman season and use it as she competes in the middle-distance events. Listen to Meredith share her story of experiencing the ups and downs as a freshman athlete in collegiate track & field, what she looks forward to this season, and what to watch for in the 2026 Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks.

Adison Kapitzke started her 2025-2026 season with a bang, throwing an indoor personal best in the shot put that’s currently #1 in The Summit League. After several trips to the podium at indoor & outdoor conference meets for runner-up finishes, the junior is ready to take another step to the top to win her first individual conference title. Listen to Adison share about her journey from competitive figure skater to thrower, her goals for this season, and why the 2026 Bison women’s team is one to be reckoned with.

Stephen Clunis has never won a medal at a conference championship meet. Would you believe us if we told you he’s ranked #11 in the entire country for the 60 meter dash? The University of Missouri Kansas City senior ran 6.61 seconds in his first meet of the year and isn’t looking back, not just hoping to win a conference title but to compete on the NCAA’s biggest stage. Listen to Stephen share about his journey, including plenty of injuries and betting on himself to transfer to UMKC and start again as well as his individual & team goals for the 2026 season.

Taya Yellow Mule has competed in many events, but settling on the triple jump has paid off. The University of South Dakota senior finished 2nd at the 2025 Summit League Outdoor Championships in the triple jump, earning a spot on the podium for the first time in her career. Listen to Taya share about her experiences of learning the long & triple jump, stepping up as a senior leader for the Coyotes, and her individual & team goals for the 2026 season.

Jake Leingang changed the game of running in North Dakota. One of the most decorated athletes in North Dakota history, Leingang went on to compete at the University of Oregon after an outstanding prep career at Bismarck High. Listen to Leingang recount his high school dominance, the highs and lows of attending one of the best running schools in the country, and what it took to truly become elite.

One of our favorite episodes of the year! Our 2025 North Dakota High School Cross Country Champions Owen Johnson (Class B Boys), Ruby Ihmels (Class A Girls), Claire Grinde (Class B Girls), and Owen Hintz (Class A Boys) join the podcast to discuss the 2025 season, their individual state titles, and post-season XC racing.

This week's Summit League Segment highlights the South Dakota State University and includes an interview with SDSU senior Cody Larson. Plus Kwik Star Peak Performers of the Week, news from around The Summit League, and more.

This week's Summit League Segment highlights the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks and includes an interview with UNO freshman Briley Early. Plus news from around The Summit League and more.

This week's Summit League Segment highlight the University of South Dakota Coyotes and includes an interview with USD sophomore Isaac Ochoa. Plus highlight of this past week's Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performers, news from around The Summit League, and more.