STORM LAKE, Iowa (Jan. 18, 2024) - The Buena Vista University track & field teams have been training since late fall and are eager to begin their 2024 seasons on Friday at the Prairie Wolf Invite, hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan.

Both teams have a solid mix of veteran experience and leadership returning to go along with a group of strong newcomers for first-year head coach Jessi Juarez.

On the women's side, the team will have to replace All-American Becca Simpson, who has carved herself into the BVU record books in every throwing event. However, the Beavers have a strong nucleus of veteran throwers back this season who look to step forward, including Courtney Johnson, Anna Friedrichsen and Annie Brennan. Brennan is returning following an injury, but the Johnson and Friedrichsen ranked around the top-10 in both the shot put and weight throw during the indoor season and in the shot put, discus and hammer throw during outdoor competition.

The Beaver men will be led by senior Kyle Miller, who is coming off an NCAA qualifying berth during last year's Outdoor Championships in the 800m run. He set a new school record in the event at 1:49.75.

Junior John Jeanisse is one of the team's top returning sprinters after ranking seventh in the A-R-C during the outdoor season in the 200-meter dash and 13th in the 100-meter dash. Senior Zack Huffman is the team's top returning hurdler and also is set to compete for the team again in the multi-events.

Following this week's season-opener, BVU will host the annual Dennis Young Alumni Classic on Saturday, Jan. 27. Individuals are also scheduled to compete earlier that week at the Central College Multi-Event Meet on Jan. 25-26, in Pella. This year's A-R-C Championships are set for set for Feb. 23-24 at the University of Dubuque.

See comments from Coach Juarez and student-athletes in the video above.

2024 Women's Track & Field Roster

2024 Men's Track & Field Roster