The UIS men's track team posted seven personal records at the PNC Bank Bellarmine Classic Friday, with strong contributions from transfers and freshmen leading the way.
Senior transfer
Will McGonigal ran 8:37.96 in the 3000m, finishing 11th, while freshman
Charlie Borlin, the No. 2 GLVC freshman from the cross country championships in the fall, set a PR of 8:41.40 in the same event, placing 13th. Junior transfer
Owen Whelan also notched a PR in the 3000m at 8:44.58, giving UIS three top-16 finishes in the distance.
The 5000m featured three top-five finishers for UIS, all returners.
Ryan Kries led the way with a PR of 15:32.82, followed by
Garrett Wagoner, also setting a PR, at 15:41.36, and
Daniel Giacomini, who finished fourth in 15:52.99. Freshman
Logan Iott added a ninth-place finish at 16:33.36.
The mile produced multiple PRs, led by junior transfer
Colin Graham, whose 4:20.27 now ranks him No. 99 nationally in NCAA Division II. Freshman
Chase Cooley also set a PR in the mile at 4:23.16, while senior
Brock Loftus recorded a PR at 4:31.34. Cooley also ran the 800m, placing 19th overall in 2:01.25.
UIS men's team showed a mix of promising talent and strong depth across distance and middle-distance events, highlighted by multiple PRs in the second meet of the indoor season.
"I am really proud of how our team competed today!" said head coach
Emmons King. "They fought at the top of their heats and produced multiple personal bests. These last two weeks we've been in a heavy training phase, so I'm very excited to see what they can do at GVSU Big Meet weekend."