Prairie Track & Field Podcast

The Ark Downtown Street Vault Preview with Founder Jak Urlacher

Jak Urlacher is bringing the deepest pole vault competition ever assembled in North Dakota history to the streets of his hometown, Grand Forks. On July 11th, pole vaulters from across the region and nation will compete on North 3rd Street at The Ark Downtown Street Vault. Make plans to head to downtown Grand Forks to see this high-flying spectacle for yourself!

Alex Pratt of St. Thomas on The Summit League Segment #7 - 2026 Outdoor

Alex Pratt can hoop, but it’s on the track where she has really balled out. The former Division I basketball player turned sprint phenom has been a major contributor for the St. Thomas women’s track & field program. A 5-time school record holder and a 2-time Summit League champion, Alex looks forward to one last Summit League Outdoor Championships and the opportunity to lead the Tommies in their pursuit for a podium team finish.

Anya Williams of UND on The Summit League Segment #6 - 2026 Outdoor

Anya Williams is a triple threat jumper, competing in the long, triple, and high jump events for the UND Fighting Hawks. She’s also a triple threat when it comes to breaking records. In a span of three weeks, the UND sophomore broke the school’s high jump record and the triple jump record – twice. Listen to Anya share about her growth & development in the jumping events, how she balances track & field with her hectic schedule as an aviation student, and what she and the UND Fighting Hawk women aim to accomplish at the 2026 Summit League Outdoor Championships.

Artwell Magake of Oral Roberts on The Summit League Segment #5 - 2026 Outdoor

Artwell Magake of Oral Roberts is fresh off a school record in the 1500m at the Arkansas Twilight. The Oral Roberts junior has been a staple in the Golden Eagle distance program the past several seasons, showing both his speed & strength in track & cross country. While coming so close to the podium on multiple occasions, Artwell is seeking his first Summit League medal and hopes to earn one this weekend at the 2026 Summit League Outdoor Championships. List the #4 ranked 1500m in the conference share about his life growing up in Zimbabwe, finding the sport and Oral Roberts, and what it will take for him to reach the next level of distance running.

Avyn Urbanski of Omaha on the Summit League Segment #4 - 2026 Outdoor

Avyn Urbanski has been a steady presence for the Omaha Mavericks in the sprints during her first several seasons with the Mavericks. To follow up her 7^th place finish in the 100m at the 2025 Summit League Championships, Avyn’s been on a tear this outdoor season. She set a new personal best in the 200m a few weeks ago and finds herself ranked high on the conference performance list heading into next week’s championships. Listen to Avyn share about her development in the sprints, her love for the 4x100m relay, and what she and the Mavericks are looking forward to achieving at the 2026 Summit League Outdoor Championships.

Ryan Benson of SDSU on The Summit League Segment #3 - 2026 Outdoor

Ryan Benson has always been a true multi-event athlete. After winning state titles in events ranging from the hurdles to the long jump in high school, the Chester, SD native took his talents to SDSU to learn even more events. There Benson has become a two-time All-Summit League performer and a senior leader for the Jackrabbits. Listen to Benson share about his journey of learning the multi events, how he finds joy in competing, and how he plans to live in the moment and enjoy the final weeks of his outstanding collegiate career.

Mikael Grace of USD on The Summit League Segment #2 - 2026 Outdoor

Mikael Grace has evolved into not only one of the fastest hurdler's in The Summit League the past few seasons, but ever. The two-time Summit League 110m hurdle champion and USD record holder shares his story of progressing from 15.3 to 13.5 seconds in the hurdles, the bond between he and his hurdles coach (and former USD record holder) Teivaskie Lewin, and what it's going to take for the 'Yotes to bring home a team title this outdoor season.

Zach McGlynn of NDSU on The Summit League Segment #1 - 2026 Outdoor

Zach McGlynn's may have been a walk-on, but he hit the ground running in the multi events. Now a first-team All-American in the heptathlon, Zach has established himself as one of the best athletes in the nation. As the outdoor season begins, Zach has his sights set on even bigger goals. Listen to him share about his journey from little known recruit to All-American, who to watch for on the Bison this outdoor season, and what he and the team hope to accomplish.