Otto Knittel competing in pole vault at Show Me Showdown at Mizzou.

Madelyn Stephen

Otto Knittel Headlines Strong Miners Showing With School Record at Don Denoon Classic

1/23/2026 6:38:00 PM

By: Madelyn Stephen, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Missouri S&T track and field sent a focused group of throwers and multi-event athletes to Carbondale on Thursday and Friday, and the Miners delivered an impressive showing at the Don Denoon Classic, highlighted by event wins, podium finishes, and a new school record.

On the women's side, Sydney Morris (Jefferson City, MO/Calvary Lutheran) continued her strong indoor season with a dominant performance in the throws. Morris claimed first place in the shot put with a mark of 14.19 meters, while also placing third in the weight throw (15.34). Madelaine Fischer (Anamosa, IA/Anamosa) added depth for the Miners, finishing fourth in the weight throw (14.76) and sixth in the shot put (11.36).

In the pentathlon, Maya Wright (Hillsboro, MO/Hillsboro) turned in a standout all-around performance, finishing second overall with 3,416 points. Wright posted strong marks across the five events, including a 9.15 in the 60-meter hurdles, 1.58 meters in the high jump, 9.58 meters in the shot put, 5.26 meters in the long jump, and a 2:30.10 in the 800 meters.

The men's group was led by another dominant day from Owen Fraser (Kirksville, MO/Kirksville), who captured first place in the shot put (17.69 meters) and followed with a second-place finish in the weight throw (18.96). Aiden McDaniel (Ashland, MO/Southern Boone) also reached the podium in the shot put, placing third with a throw of 14.98 meters.

In the multi-events, Otto Knittel (Spring Hill, KS/Spring Hill) delivered a historic performance, winning the heptathlon with 5,112 points and breaking the Missouri S&T school record previously held by Ezekiel Buck (5,077 points, 2018). Knittel recorded strong results across all seven events, including a 7.19 in the 60-meter dash, 6.57 meters in the long jump, 12.07 meters in the shot put, 1.90 meters in the high jump, 8.62 in the 60-meter hurdles, 4.15 meters in the pole vault, and a 2:49.90 in the 1000-meter run.

What's Next
Missouri S&T returns to action next Saturday, Jan. 31, when the Miners travel to Pittsburg, Kan., to compete at Pittsburg State.

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Otto Knittel Headlines Strong Miners Showing With School Record at Don Denoon Classic