WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest Track and Field team wrapped up a successful weekend at the Camel City Distance Classic, highlighted by three podium finishes and standout performances from Isabella Gera, Emma DeVries, and Palmer Walstad.
Top Performances
Isabella Gera Dominates Field Events
- 1st Place – Women’s Shot Put (14.84m)
- Gera secured her fourth first-place finish in the shot put this season, continuing her dominant form.
- 2nd Place – Weight Throw (17.33m) at the Camel City Sprints Invitational earlier in the weekend
With five victories this indoor season, Gera is aiming to extend her streak at the Darius Dixon Invitational next weekend.
Emma DeVries – Personal Best in 3000m
- 7th Place – Women’s 3000m (9:58.35)
- DeVries shattered her previous best of 10:10.87, showing significant improvement.
Palmer Walstad – Podium Finish in the Mile
- 3rd Place – Women’s Mile (4:58.51)
- Walstad secured a spot on the podium, delivering a strong performance on the track.
Notable Finishes at the Camel City Distance Classic
| Event | Athlete | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s 3000m | Emma DeVries | 7th (9:58.35) |
| Women’s Mile | Palmer Walstad | 3rd (4:58.51) |
| Women’s High Jump | Abby Stankus | 3rd (1.55m) |
| Women’s Shot Put | Isabella Gera | 1st (14.84m) |
2025 Indoor Track and Field Top-10 Marks
Wake Forest athletes have delivered top-10 performances across multiple events this season:
Men’s Events
- 800m: 2nd – Rynard Swanepoel (1:48.36)
- Mile:
- 2nd – Paul Specht (3:57.49)
- 3rd – Rocky Hansen (3:57.90)
- 4th – JoJo Jourdon (4:00.35)
- 3000m:
- 3rd – Luke Tewalt (7:50.67)
- 4th – JoJo Jourdon (7:53.48)
- 5th – Charlie Sprott (7:53.65)
- 5000m: 1st – Rocky Hansen (13:14.43)
Women’s Events
- 800m: 2nd – Emma Douglass (2:05.25)
- Mile:
- 2nd – Charlotte Augenstein (4:40.82)
- 6th – Brooke Wilson (4:41.65)
- 7th – Rylan Engels (4:43.76)
- 10th – Elizabeth Whaley (4:44.36)
- 1000m:
- 4th – Elizabeth Whaley (2:47.87)
- 8th – Molly Dreher (2:52.83)
- Pentathlon: 8th – Seren Rodgers (3,700 points)
- Long Jump:
- 1st – Robbie Grace (6.22m)
- 6th – Bridget McNally (5.87m)
- 7th – Savannah Simmons (5.81m)
Coach Reactions
Ashley Bastron (Associate Head Coach):
“We had a smaller crew racing today, but they all ran a personal best or season best, which was good to see. The women are working hard and getting more fit each week. I’m proud of their efforts today!”
Collin Post (Associate Head Coach):
“I’m proud of how the women competed today. Hopefully, we can keep building on these performances leading up to the championship season.”
Looking Ahead
The Demon Deacons will continue their indoor season at the Darius Dixon Invitational in Lynchburg, Va., next weekend, where they hope to build on their momentum and podium finishes.
This weekend’s strong showing demonstrates that Wake Forest Track and Field is on the right track for success as they approach the championship season.
