DSU's Wrenzi Wrzesinski dominant performances on the track earn national recognition

Josiah C. Cuellar, The Dickinson Press, N.D.
·2 min read

Mar. 17—DICKINSON — Dickinson State University's (DSU) Wrenzi Wrzesinski has been named one of the top 10 NAIA Regional Athletes of the Year in indoor track and field for the 2023 season — specifically the Midwest Reigon. She is among a select few top-tier competitors from across the country to be recognized with this honor. Wrzesinski, who hails from Baker, Montana and has an extensive list of achievements, including breaking a conference record.

DSU's women's track and field team won their fifth consecutive North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Indoor Track & Field Championships title on Feb. 19 with ease, scoring 100 points over second-place contenders Viterbo, with a team score of 296.5 — a conference meet record. The team was awarded 25 postseason awards, including Wrzesinski being named an All-Conference athlete for four events: the 60-meter hurdles, 60-meter dash, 200-meter run, and 4x400-meter relay. Additionally, she was named NSAA Most Valuable Athlete of the Year and Most Valuable Track Performer.

In order to be recognized as an All-Conference athlete, an individual must finish in the top three in their event. Wrzesinski accomplished this by placing first in her three individual events, earning 32.5 points, and sharing first place in the relay with teammates Elizabeth Widmer, Jocelyn Ott, and Kyley Barnett.

Wrzesinski has a history of success in track and field. During the 2022 spring outdoor track and field season, she was named a multiple NSAA athlete of the week and broke an NSAA conference meet record by completing the 100-meter hurdle with a time of 14.44, surpassing the previous record of DSU's Abby Honeyman with a time of 14.69.

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) named the NAIA Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2023 season prior to the Indoor National Meet, held on March 2-4. Wrzesinski was among the athletes who received recognition.

At the national meet, Wrzesinski, along with 12 other Blue Hawks, helped the DSU women's team to place nationally, finishing in 27th place. Wrzesinski's notable achievements include a ninth-place finish in the 60-meter dash with a time of 8.62 seconds and a 22nd place finish in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.72 seconds.

Wrzesinski and her team are back at the starting line for the outdoor track and field season competition. The season begins on March 18 on the road in Spearfish, according to DSU's online schedule.

Wrzesinski's numerous accolades serve as a testament to her hard work and dedication in the sport of track and field. Her success has not only earned her recognition at the regional and national level but has also helped her team to achieve great heights. The upcoming outdoor season presents another opportunity for Wrzesinski to demonstrate her athletic prowess and continue her legacy of excellence in track and field.