Rapid City Stevens graduate Julie Schwengler, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, and her teammates on the Gopher women’s 3,200-meter relay squad posted the fastest time in the world April 27 at the Drake Relays.
Schwengler, running third, and teammates Jamie Cheever, Gabriele Anderson and anchor Heather Dorniden clocked in at 8 minutes, 27.42 seconds to set a meet record at the Drake Relays and establish the 2007 benchmark in the world in the process.
“Our women ran a tough race and showed a lot of guts,” said Gary Wilson, the Gophers’ distance coach. “Baylor was right there on every step. It was an exciting race and to post the world’s best time with a Drake Relays record is just amazing.”
Unfortunately for Schwengler and company, the mark was bettered the next day by rival Michigan, which posted an 8:18.78 while competing at the Penn Relays.
Minnesota did capture the “triple crown” at the Drake Relays by winning the distance medley relay, the 4×800 and 4×1600 relays. The Gophers became only the third team to accomplish the feat of winning the three middle distance relays in the 98-year history of the meet.
Schwengler, who is currently ranked No. 42 nationally in the women’s NCAA Division I 800-meter run, will try and help the Minnesota women claim their third consecutive Big Ten team title this weekend.
It’s great to see one of our local athletes — especially a quality person like Julie — have an impact on the world track scene.

– Jeff Easton