Former Gophers runner Charlie Lawrence sets world record in 50-mile race

Former Gophers cross-country and track runner Charlie Lawrence set a pending world record for a 50-mile run Saturday.

Lawrence ran the Tunnel Hill 50-Mile in Vienna, Ill., in 4 hours, 48 minutes and 21 seconds. That time bettered the world record of 4:50:08 set by Jim Walmsley in 2019 at a sanctioned race in California.

The 28-year-old Lawrence, who lives in Boulder, Colo., was a two-time Minnesota high school champion in the Class A 3,200-meter run at Foley before racing for the Gophers.

Midfielder Robin Lod is one of nine Loons players called to their national teams for a November FIFA international window.

He will join Minnesota United teammate Teemu Pukki, a striker, with Finland's team in two 2024 Euro qualifying games. Lod has not played since injuring a knee May 17.

Other players recalled for international duty: goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (Canada), forwards Bongokuhle Hlongwane (South Africa) and Sang Bin Jeong (South Korea), midfielders Kervin Arriaga and Joseph Rosales (both Honduras), and defenders Michael Boxall (New Zealand) and Ethan Bristow (St. Kitts and Nevis).

Gophers sophomore Mara Braun was named to the Big Ten Conference women's basketball honor roll Monday for her play in two victories last week. Iowa's Caitlin Clark was named player of the week.

Braun averaged 25 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 steals and 3.0 rebounds in victories over Long Island University and Chicago State while becoming the third-fastest player in history to reach 500 points (31 games) playing for the Gophers. Lindsay Whalen did so in 29 games, and Laura Coenen (who played through the 1984-85 season) did so in 30 games. Just behind Braun is Rachel Banham and Kenisha Bell (32 games).

Braun is the only Big Ten player so far this season to average 25 points, shoot 58% or better, 42% or better from three-point range while also averaging 5.0 assists and 3.5 steals.

Three Minnesota volleyball teams are included in the 64-team NCAA Division III playoff bracket, which was announced on Monday.

MIAC regular-season and playoff champion Gustavus Adolphus will travel to Oshkosh, Wis., to take on Calvin in the first round on Thursday.

MIAC playoff runner-up St. Olaf and UMAC champion Northwestern (St. Paul) will travel to Mount Vernon, Iowa, for their first-round matches Thursday. St. Olaf will play Washington (Mo.), while Northwestern (St. Paul) will meet Edgewood (Wis.) College.