Indoor Track impresses at JDL Early Bird Invite

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (December 3, 2023) – The Milligan University indoor track & field teams had five top finishes and multiple national qualifiers at the JDL Early Bird Invitational at the JDL Fast Track on Sunday.

Caitlin Dominy improved upon her own school record in the 3k with an indoor debut time of 9:50.14. Her pre-conversion time still went under the NAIA "A" standard, set the meet record and is the NAIA's fastest in the opening weekend of competition. Ellen-Mary Kearney also posted a national qualifying time in the 3k (10:17.41) as she finished second. Zanelle Willemse finished third (10:27.74) and Patricia Barrera was fourth (10:27.79).

Will Stockley and Aaron Jones finished first and second in the 3k with both runners posting automatic national qualifying times. Stockley ran the NAIA's top time (8:23.53) and Jones followed in 8:28.21. Bryson Lewis (fourth, 8:48.18), Zimri Kuhn (fifth, 8:50.19), Josh Hale (sixth, 8:53.48), Keaton Hincher (seventh, 8:55.14) and Alex Brittain (eighth, 8:56.96) joined Jones and Stockley in the top 10 in the 3k.

I just can't say enough about Caitlin and how she's handling her last year," said Layne. "So proud of her right now and of course the men looked strong in both the mile and 3k races. Will missed Tuesday due to illness but bounced back with a big run today."

Keith Fletcher was an automatic national qualifier in the 60 meter hurdles as he posted a personal best and the meet's top time of 8.13 in qualifying.

Romario Taylor won the 400 meter dash with a meet record time of 48.97 in his event debut with the Buffs. Taylor's effort hit the NAIA "A" standard and is the fastest time in the NAIA this season. Taylor was the runner-up in the 200 meter dash (22.17) with Fletcher following in fourth (22.59). 

"Really strong runs from Keith and Romario and really cool to see Kacey step up again in the weight throw," said Layne.

Kacey Webb set a PB in the weight throw at 13.46 meters.

Megan Christian won the 600 in 1:41.94, a personal best time. Sylas Chambers ran to a runner-up finish in the mile (4:21.11) and Carter Windham placed fifth in 4:29.11.

Roman Hodgson finished fifth in the 800 in 2:01.98. Isabelle Johnson was fifth (5:29.76) and Kaelyn Slaughter crossed eighth (5:39.96) in the mile.

Milligan returns to action after Christmas break at the VMI Invitational on Jan. 12-13.