The Knox College track and field team kicked off the outdoor season with a bang on Saturday, turning in a string of impressive performances at the Millikin Big Blue Invite.

Continuing the strong performances, Prairie Fire women Elsie Conwell led the way, finishing fifth in the 800 and seventh in the 1500.

Additionally, Lily Cuddy powered to a standout fifth in the 100 hurdles, while Stephanie Nelson delivered a strong fifth in the discus and battled to a fourth in the hammer.

Shifting focus to the field events, Elle Haddon was fourth in the javelin. Haddon's best, 33.37 meters, was second-best in program history. 

For the Knox men, Ryan Lautzenhiser scored a fifth-place finish in the 200 and a seventh-place finish in the 400.

In 1500, Lance Miller had Knox's best individual finish on the track of the meet, crossing the line in third. 

Ethan Strutzel made his mark in the field, launching a huge 49.44-meter javelin throw for second place—a toss that rockets him to fifth all-time in program history.

Looking ahead, the Prairie Fire are next in action at the Cornell Invitational on Saturday, April 4.