Bemidji State Women Shine at Ted Nelson Classic

Sophomore Sophie Rylance wins 800-meter race as Beavers collect four top-three finishes

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Bemidji State women's track and field team had a strong showing at the Ted Nelson Classic in Mankato, Minnesota, with several top finishes. Sophomore Sophie Rylance won the 800-meter race, while other Beavers placed in the top 10 in various events including the one mile, 1000-meter, 400-meter, shot put, high jump, and weight throw.

Why it matters

The Beavers' performance at the Ted Nelson Classic is an important step in their season as they prepare for the final regular season meet and the postseason. Strong individual showings, especially from young athletes like Rylance, bode well for the team's future success.

The details

Rylance won the 800-meter race with a time of 2:15.94, her second event win of the season. Other top-10 finishes for Bemidji State included Maggie McCarthy in sixth place in the one mile, Jada Goeson with a personal best in the 1000-meter, and Amelia Congrove with a personal best in the 400-meter. In field events, Trista Bilden placed second in the shot put with a personal best, while Allison LaVine took third in the high jump and Hannah Baker claimed third in the weight throw.

  • The Ted Nelson Classic took place on Saturday, February 16, 2026.
  • The Beavers will close out the regular season on Friday, February 21, 2026 at the UND Tune Up in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The players

Sophie Rylance

A sophomore on the Bemidji State women's track and field team who won the 800-meter race at the Ted Nelson Classic with a time of 2:15.94, her second event win of the season.

Maggie McCarthy

A Bemidji State athlete who finished sixth in the one mile race at the Ted Nelson Classic.

Jada Goeson

A Bemidji State athlete who scored a personal best in the 1000-meter race, finishing eighth.

Amelia Congrove

A Bemidji State athlete who scored a personal best in the 400-meter race, placing eighth.

Trista Bilden

A Bemidji State athlete who placed second in the shot put with a personal best mark of 12.88 meters.

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What’s next

The Beavers will close out the regular season on Friday, February 21, 2026 at the UND Tune Up in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The takeaway

Bemidji State's strong performance at the Ted Nelson Classic, led by standout efforts from young athletes like Sophie Rylance, demonstrates the team's potential and sets them up well for the final regular season meet and postseason competition.