Track Enjoys Historic Early Season Success Friday
3/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Gonzaga women's and men's track programs ran to some program top-10 times at the Buc Scoring Invite hosted by Whitworth University Friday.
Maggie Jones broke the stadium record with a 4:35.25 finish in the women's 1,500 meters. The senior's time was the third fastest time in program history. Teammate Jessica Mildes followed closely behind with a time of 4:35.88, the fifth fastest time in GU history. Claren Fraher ran the sixth-best freshman time in program history at 4:50.83.
In the 400 meters, Maggie Riley ran one of the best times in program history at 61.21. Mildes, Jones, and Stroosma swept the top three spots in the 800. Mildes' time of 2:18.85 ranks eighth in program history. Jones crossed the line at 2:19.65, and Stroosma was 2:21.32.
In her first 3,000-meter steeplechase, Corrine Murray finished first at 11:55.70. The time was sixth in GU history. Lauren Saunders also ran the ninth-best time in program history in the 200 meters at 28.58.
"This was the best outdoor opener we have had, and we're hoping it leads to great things this season," Gonzaga women's head coach Patty Ley said.
On the men's side, Willie Milam placed first and ran the fastest March time in program history in the 800 meters. The senior crossed the line at 1:53.25, fourth on the all-time list. He also ran the fastest March time in the 1,500 meters (3:50.81), and led a sweep of the top four spots in the event. Brandon Pollard (3:55.95), Andy Phillips (3:56.32), and Kinsly Smith (3:59.08) followed closely behind. Pollard and Smith finished with personal bests.
In the 10,000 meters, Max Kaderabek and Jack Pearce took the top two spots in the 25-lap race. Kaderabek had the seventh-best time in program history at 31:45.95, while Pearce was at 32:26.00, the 11th fastest finish at GU.
The Bulldogs then swept the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Nick Roche (9:19.37) edged out Troy Fraley (9:19.39). Kyle Branch and Kellen Manley were close behind at 9:28.87 and 9:43.89.
Gonzaga finished its big day by breaking the school-record in the 4x400-meter relay. The foursome of Graham Wendle, Pollard, Smith and Phillips placed second in the race at 3:24.23.
"The day that had ‘March Madness' drama, brought out the best early season marks in Gonzaga history," Director of GU track Pat Tyson said. "Gonzaga won every distance race. We had an incredible showing in spectacular weather at Whitworth's Pine Bowl."
The Zags return to the track at the Mike Keller Invitational in Moscow, Idaho, next Saturday.
