VERMILLION, S.D. -- The Bruin distance track squad traveled to Vermillion, South Dakota, for Friday's Early Bird Invite hosted by the University of South Dakota. A large field comprised of teams from all NCAA levels, the NAIA and NJCAA were greeted by pleasant conditions of sunny skies, temperatures in the low 60's and a breeze out of the south. Highlights for the Bruins included three school-record-breaking performances.
The record-breaking began when Alicia Rivera Camargo took four seconds from the existing record in the women's 800-meter run. Her 2:31.06 was a five second improvement from her season best and placed her 30th in a large field of 51 competitors. Also running for the Bruins were Hannah Perkins who established a lifetime best in 2:29.13, Caroline Feig running 2:55.03, and Claire Kimuatai crossing the line in 3:04.16.
Not to be outdone by the women, Richard Marcoux lowered his own school and season-best at 800 meters when he ran 1:56.85. That would turn out to be the highest placing on the day for the Bruin men as he finished in 12th place overall in the field of 72 and third among NAIA athletes. That is also the leading time in the NSAA this Spring. Also representing the Bruins in the 800 was Aaron Newton, who was just off his outdoor personal best in 2:05.29, while Edrei Murillo came home in 2:11.93.
The final Bruin best mark on the day was established by Madison Nelson, who lowered her own 5,000-meter run record from a year ago with an 18:53.01. She was 9th overall in the field of 44 runners and 2nd among NAIA athletes. Her time is also the fastest in the NSAA this season.
In the men's 5K, Kaleb Wooten made a solid debut in the event with a 17:06.92 clocking.
Collin Kotz was the lone steeplechaser for the Bruins and covered the 3,000 meters in 10:40.15.
Finally, to conclude the day's events, Rivera Camargo came back and was oh-so-close to another school record as her 5:12.47 was just 0.27 seconds off the mark. She was joined by Hannah Perkins, running her second personal record of the day in 5:29.03, and Caroline Feig, who concluded a satisfying day of racing with a 5:53.88 effort.
For the men, the top 1500-meter effort was turned in by Richard Marcoux, placing 23rd overall in 4:13.46. Collin Kotz had a strong finish to win his heat in 4:18.40. Aaron Newton ran 4:32.36, and Edrei Murillo crossed in 4:34.27 to conclude racing for the day.
Head Coach Craig Christians: "Today was a very satisfying day. Of course, when we continue to lower school records and run personal bests, that's a testament to the how hard we're training. If we can run like that with tired legs, I'm excited to see what we can do later. We're running with some strong competition, and I love the way every single runner lines up and competes."
The Bruins travel north on I-29 again next Friday and Saturday when they will compete in the Sioux City Relays hosted by Morningside College.
