Nelson Earns Top Collegiate Steeplechase Mark

WALNUT, Calif. ? University of Colorado senior Billy Nelson recorded the fastest collegiate mark on the season in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on Friday night.

Nelson completed the race in 8 minutes and 41.99 seconds and took seventh overall at the Mt. Sac Relays. He was the only collegiate harrier in section. Anthony Famiglietti, adidas, won the race in 8:26.94 and had a commanding lead over the runner-up, Jordan Fife (Brooks Team), who finished in 8:36.69.

Ryan Gasper (Wisconsin) held the previous best collegiate mark in the country at 8:47.39.

The race was Nelson’s first of the outdoor season and qualified him for regionals in May.

Sara Vaughn just missed the regional mark of 4:27.80 in the 1,500-meter run by running a time of 4:30.12. Oregon’s Zoe Buckman (Oregon) won the section in 4:20.57.

CU also had a pair of women in the 800-meter run. Allison Eckert crossed the finish in 2:17.70 and was fourth in first heat. She ended up 22^nd overall. Dani Rodriguez finished just behind Eckert in 2:18.75 and was fifth in the heat. Rodriguez was 24^th overall.

Several Buffs were yet to compete on Friday night in the 5,000-meter run. Those results were not available at press time.

Several members of the CU sprint team will be in action on Saturday at the Michael Johnson Invite in Waco, Texas. The majority of the team will compete at the CSU Invite in Fort Collins, Colo.

50^th MT. SAC RELAYS

Walnut, Calif. (Hilmer Lodger Stadium)

Track Events (CU Athletes Only)

Women’s 800-Meter Run. 22. Allison Eckert, 2:17.70; 24. Dani Rodriguez, 2:18.74

Women’s 1,500-Meter Run: 13. Sara Vaughn, 4:30.12

Men’s 3,000-Meter Steeplechase Invitational: 7. Billy Nelson, 8:41.99

- Colorado -

Colorado University Athletics