Naperville, Ill. - The Wheaton track and field teams competed in their first outdoor meets of the 2025 schedule this weekend at the North Central College First Chance Invitational. 

Sheldon Powell won men's 3,000-meter steeplechase on Friday with a time of 9:44.13. His teammate Braedon Veurink posted a time of 9:44.13 in second place and Stephen Hansen was fifth in 10:07.18.

In Saturday's action, Sam Elsen posted a time of 3:59.26 to place second in a field of 108 competitors in the men's 1,500-meter run.  

Ty Bova finished in a tie for third place in the men's high jump. Bova cleared a height of 1.90 meters (6' 2-3/4") in the high jump.

The top performance for the Thunder women came on Friday as Natalie Fopma won the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:42.17. Her teammate Lily Lebo was just behind her in second place with a time of 11:42.77, and Elizabeth LaBrin was fourth in 12:16.83. 

Grace Crowder highlighted Saturday's action for the Thunder women as she finished second in the women's high jump. She cleared a height of 1.59-meters (5' 2-1/2") in a strong showing.

Sadie Richert finished third in the women's 400-meter dash with a time of 1:00.16. Abby Rickard posted a time of 2:23.76 to finish fifth in the women's 800-meter run. Sarah Quintanilla placed fifth in the women's 1,500-meter run with an effort of 5:00.58.

The Thunder track teams return to action next Friday and Saturday at Elmhurst University for the 2025 Chicagoland Outdoor Track & Field Championships.