The Marquette men’s and women’s track and field teams put up strong showings at the Badger Classic last Saturday in Madison, Wisc., highlighted with first place finishes by junior Lauren Darnall in the pole vault and junior Blake Johnson in the 3,000-meter race.

Darnall, who tied for first in this meet, jumped 12 feet 1 ½ inches to take home the win. This was the second first place finish in the pole vault in a row for Darnall, who also won the event at the Blue and Gold Invitational at Notre Dame on Dec. 3.

Freshman Kristin Gaffey produced another great performance for the women in the shot put. Her fourth place mark of 46 feet 5 ¼ inches was also good enough for seventh best all time in Marquette history.

Freshman Carlye Schuh also had a good meet, placing third in the long jump with a distance of 17 feet, 7 ½ inches.

On the men’s side, Johnson won the 3,000 meter race with a time of 8:32.4.

Freshman jumper Michael Saindon also performed well, placing fifth in the high jump and setting a Big East qualifying mark of 6 feet, 7 inches.

Senior Joseph Kohut made a strong showing, placing fourth in the shot put with a big east qualifying mark of 48 feet, 8 ¼.

The team next returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 22, in Milwaukee at the UWM Klotsche Center.