There is no doubt that Shakeela Wells-Johnson (St. Paul, Minn./Harding) has stepped up her game from a year ago for the St. Catherine University track and field team. After a stellar indoor season, the sophomore kicked off the outdoor season the only way she knew how – in reord-setting fashion. For her performance, she has been named the Wildcat Athlete of the Week.Â
The Wildcats had a solid opening outdoor meet Saturday at the Gustavus Adolphus College Lee Krough Invitational in St. Peter, Minnesota. No one more impressive, though, than Wells-Johnson who first broke the 100-meter dash record when she clocked in at 12.47 in the prelim heat of the event. Her time bested the previous St. Kate's record of 12.49 set by Sam Levercom in 2012. Then, Wells-Johnson was even better in the finals racing to second place with a time of 12.38. Her time was behind that only of a competitor from Division II Minnesota State University-Mankato.Â
In addition to her school-record performance in the 100-meter dash, Wells-Johnson also finished sixth in the 200-meter dash later in the meet with a time of 26.89 that was just of her personal record (PR) in the event. It was also the best time by a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) competitor at the meet.Â
Already an All-MIAC performer this season, Wells-Johnson looks to be in solid contention to earn the same honor outdoors this season as her 100-meter dash time is the fastest in the MIAC so far this season. It is also 32nd in Division III. Her 200-meter time is 11th-best in the MIAC.Â
Wells-Johnson and the rest of the Wildcats will return to action for the Holst Invitational Saturday hosted by Concordia University, St. Paul at 10 a.m.Â
