Burns and Brittain win steeplechase at Montreat Invitational

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (March 25, 2022) – The Milligan University outdoor track and field teams competed in the first day of the Montreat College Invitational on Friday.

"This weekend is a great opportunity to get a lot more of our crew going outdoors," said head coach Chris Layne. "The weather isn't cooperating like we would hope but I think we're competing really well across the board."

Ali Burns picked up a win in the 3000 meter steeplechase with a time of 12:11.09 in her event debut. Alex Brittain won the men's 3000 meter steeplechase in 9:44.25. Pablo Rivas finished seventh in the steeplechase in 10:43.29.

Kamdyn Lee finished fourth in the men's long jump with a lead of 6.31 meters. Jemimah Ndune and Ella Maiden tied for 12th in the women's long jump at 4.83 meters.

Halie Hawkins placed fifth in the pole vault after clearing 3.10 meters.

In the men's 1500, Matt Huff (4:18.65), Keaton Hincher (4:18.98) and Seth Jinks (4:19.61) finished in the top-25 of a 59-man field. In the women's 1500, Natalie Fellers (5:19.11), Lauren Spry (5:19.82) and Rachel Dulaney (5:22.31) were the Buffs' top finishers.

Annie Kate McDerrmott and Marinda Walls made their outdoor debut in the 5k. McDermott was 11th in 20:29.69 and Walls ran 21:10.95. Benjamin Mary made his first outdoor appearance in the 5k and posted a 17:43.85 time.

In the hammer throw, Kade Hoilman threw 34.62 meters and Corey Greeson improved by over five meters from last week at 33.51 meters. On the women's side, Joy Reks tossed a PR of her own in the hammer throw at 36.48 meters to finish 12th. Ellie Ayers also logged a career-best hammer throw of 31.58 meters.

Iliana Martinez improved her javelin throw by (21.00 meters) and hammer throw (29.40 meters) in her second outdoor meet.

Graydon Hull (37:39.54) and Eli Hornbuckle (38:10.47) ran the first two 10ks of the year for Milligan.

The Buffs wrap up at the Montreat Invitational tomorrow.