VERMILLION, S.D. -- The Bruin track team traveled to the University of South Dakota for one final tune-up before next week's NSAA championship at Friday's aptly named USD Tune-Up held under clear skies and a light breeze. The meet featured a largely NCAA Division I field.

Alicia Rivera Camargo got things started in the women's 1500-meter run and posted a season-best 5:18.16 to finish 16th.

The Bruin men were next on the track with three competitors in the 800 meters. Richard Marcoux once again lowered his own school record with a personal best of 1:56.43 to finish ninth in the field of 41 runners. Griffin Kipchumba followed with a personal best as well, clocking 2:04.62. Finally, Robbie Siford was just off his best, coming home at 2:09.79. Marcoux is currently ranked fourth in the NSAA.

The meet's final event produced the best finish of the day for the Bruins as Collin Kotz and Saba Khvichava placed third and fourth in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase. Kotz was just off his NSAA leading time, running 9:51.36, while Khvichava's debut effort on the year produced a time of 9:56.94, moving him to the second position in the conference.

Head Coach Craig Christians: "Our athletes ran very well today. That was some tough competition today. Our team isn't afraid of mixing it up. I like the way we compete. I'm excited to see how we perform at conference next week."

The NSAA Championship meet will be held next Thursday and Friday, May 9 and 10, in Madison, S.D.