South Dakota track and field athletes Marleen Mülla and Brandon Vander Sluis were named Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performer of the Week honorees, according to an April 14 announcement from the university.
The recognition highlights recent strong performances by both athletes at the Sioux City Relays. Mülla became the third different Coyote in as many weeks to win the women’s field honor, clearing 13-10 in pole vault to secure first place. This achievement ties her for 23rd nationally in the NCAA this season and marks her return after competing at the World Championships in Poland last month. She currently leads the Summit League and is tied for 13th in the West Region, earning her fifth outdoor weekly honor.
Vander Sluis set personal outdoor bests in both shot put and discus during Friday’s competition. His shot put throw of 60-6¾ earned him first place at the meet, moving him up to fourth on South Dakota’s Outdoor Top 10 list. He now ranks 29th nationally, 14th regionally, and leads all competitors within the Summit League for that event. In discus, his personal best throw of 170-10 places him tenth on USD’s top ten list, third within his conference, and seventy-third regionally.
With these awards, South Dakota has collected four Peak Performer of the Week honors over three weeks of outdoor competition this season. Previous winners include Delaney Smith (March 31) and Anna Willis (April 7), both recognized for their achievements in women’s field events.
The Coyotes continue their track season with momentum as they look ahead to upcoming meets.
