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Gonzaga University Athletics

Jordan Thurston

Track and Field

Track Races to Top-10 Times in Eugene

April 15, 2016

Results | Photo Gallery

EUGENE, Ore. -- With just a few weeks left to qualify for postseason meets, the Gonzaga women's and men's track teams had successful showings at the Oregon Relays Friday.

The Gonzaga men took the top two spots in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Kellen Manley and Kyle Branch went from fourth and fifth to third and fourth on the GU all-time list with their finishes. Manley crossed the line at 9:01.06, while Branch had a time of 9:04.18. Graham Wendle ran the ninth fastest time in program history at 9:30.30. The sophomore placed ninth in the race.

In the women's 5,000 meters, Maggie Jones placed fifth at 16:28.29, followed by Shelby Mills in sixth with a time of 16:30.79. Jordan Thurston's sixth place finish of 16:34.81 ranks fourth in women's program history.

"Shelby and Maggie went out very quickly, but then got caught in no-man's land and were just off the rhythm they really wanted to be," GU women's Head Coach Patty Ley said. "But, they worked well together to finish strong. Jordan tore another 20 seconds off her best and more than a minute faster than last year here at this meet."

Mason Villarma placed fifth in the men's 1,500 meters. The freshman's time of 3:47.12 is fourth on the GU all-time list. He is also fourth on the program's 800-meter list. Zac Garrard ran a 3:49.61 Friday night, which ranks sixth all-time.

"The guys ran really tough in their 1,500 heats," Ley said. "The pace got hot quickly and they felt that burn and held tough."

Claren Fraher's 4:41.35 1,500-meter time ranks ninth on the program's all-time list. The sophomore won her race and improved her previous personal record time of 4:48.16.

"We had a nice little run of performances starting with the women's 1500 B heat," Ley said. "Claren led the first 800 or so, then was gapped by a runner and found herself in a bit of a box. It opened up with about 210 to go and she started going for it, moving from fifth to catching the leader right at the line for the win and a big personal record."

In the men's 5,000 meters, Andy Thomas placed fourth in his section. He crossed the line at 14:51.95. Danny Lunder was seventh at 14:56.96. In the final section of the night, Conor McCandless ran a 14:44.33.

"The afternoon started off well with Andy racing exceptionally well and garnering a 30-plus second PR in his finish," Ley said.

The Zags return to Spokane for the annual Dusty and Duane Memorial Open next weekend. The meet will be at Spokane Falls Community College on April 23.

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Players Mentioned

Claren Fraher

Claren Fraher

Senior
Jordan Thurston

Jordan Thurston

Redshirt Junior
Mason Villarma

Mason Villarma

Freshman
Kellen Manley

Kellen Manley

Freshman
Graham Wendle

Graham Wendle

Freshman
Zac Garrard

Zac Garrard

Senior
Danny Lunder

Danny Lunder

Fifth Year
Conor McCandless

Conor McCandless

Redshirt Senior
Maggie Jones

Maggie Jones

Fifth Year
Shelby Mills

Shelby Mills

Redshirt Senior
Kyle Branch

Kyle Branch

Fifth Year
Andy Thomas

Andy Thomas

Freshman

Players Mentioned

Claren Fraher

Claren Fraher

Senior
Jordan Thurston

Jordan Thurston

Redshirt Junior
Mason Villarma

Mason Villarma

Freshman
Kellen Manley

Kellen Manley

Freshman
Graham Wendle

Graham Wendle

Freshman
Zac Garrard

Zac Garrard

Senior
Danny Lunder

Danny Lunder

Fifth Year
Conor McCandless

Conor McCandless

Redshirt Senior
Maggie Jones

Maggie Jones

Fifth Year
Shelby Mills

Shelby Mills

Redshirt Senior
Kyle Branch

Kyle Branch

Fifth Year
Andy Thomas

Andy Thomas

Freshman