Following an outstanding performance at the Jeff Rahn Classic meet in Spokane, Washington, the Idaho Vandals track and field team took their talents over to the golden state of California to compete at the Pacific Coast Invitational.
The team delivered standout performances across multiple events, with athletes earning top finishes and showcasing the program’s young talent. Several Vandals also broke school records, highlighting the team’s continued progress and momentum as the season moves forward.
At the Pacific Coast Invitational, the Idaho Vandals continued their impressive run with a weekend packed full of standout performances, personal bests, and even movement in the program’s record books.
Competing against a deep and talented field, the Vandals once again proved they can hold their own with some of the top athletes on the West Coast, delivering results across both track and field events. Leading the way on the men’s side was sophomore Keenan Kuntz, who put together a breakout meet with personal-best performances in both sprint events.
Kuntz clocked a blazing 10.18 seconds in the 100 meters to earn a third-place finish, before coming back even stronger in the 200 meters with a 20.58- second time to take second. Not only did those times land him on the podium twice, but they also moved him into second place all-time in Idaho program history in both events.
This solidified his place as one of the top sprinters the school has ever seen. His ability to perform at such a high level in both races highlights not only his speed, but also his consistency and growth as the season progresses.
On the women’s side, junior Jana Willems delivered one of the most significant performances of the meet, rewriting the Idaho record books in the 100 meters. Willems crossed the line in 11.56 seconds, setting a new school record while also finishing among the top competitors in a highly competitive field.
Her performance continues an upward trend this season, as she has consistently improved her times and established herself as a key contributor to Idaho’s sprint group. The record-breaking run is a testament to both her hard work and the strength of the program as a whole, as the Vandals continue to push their standards higher with each meet.
The success didn’t stop on the track, as Idaho’s field athletes also made a strong impact. Graduate student Sydnie Zywina once again proved to be one of the team’s most reliable performers, earning a share of first place in the triple jump.
Her ability to consistently compete for titles has made her a crucial piece of Idaho’s success in the field events. Alongside her, junior Francesca Cuccu delivered a strong performance in the high jump, finishing second for the Vandals. Both athletes showcased the depth and experience of Idaho’s field group, contributing to a well-rounded team performance.
As the season continues, the Idaho Vandals are proving their success comes from steady improvement, depth, and strong performances across every event group. With athletes stepping up in key moments, breaking school records and earning podium finishes, the team is building real momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
The mix of emerging talent and experienced leaders has created a balanced roster that continues to perform under pressure. If the Vandals keep this level of consistency, they will remain a serious contender as championship season approaches.