Outdoor Track & Field turns in solid outing in final pre-championship meet

CULLOWHEE, N.C. (April 16, 2022) – The Milligan University outdoor track and field teams wrapped up at the Catamount Classic on Saturday. The Buffs battled several NCAA Division I opponents in their final tune-up before the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships next week.

"We had a mix of athletes doubling back from yesterday and those only competing today and I felt like we didn't miss a beat as it relates to building off yesterdays momentum," said head coach Chris Layne. "The weather really cooperated and I think that allowed us to take advantage of this opportunity. I can't say enough about the spirit and competitiveness both teams showed this weekend - so proud."

Kade Hoilman and Corey Greeson logged top-five efforts in the shot put. Hoilman took third at 12.01 meters and Greeson was fifth at 11.16 meters. Greeson added a fourth-place showing in the discus at 41.47 meters. Joy Reks posted Milligan's top outdoor shot put of the season at 10.18 meters to take 10th.

Keith Fletcher ran the Buffs' top 110 hurdles time this spring (15.65) to finish fifth. Blake Fauver posted a personal best high jump of 1.75 meters to take fifth and notched an outdoor season best in the triple jump at 12.04 meters to finish 10th.

Ali Burns was fourth in the 3000 meter steeplechase in 12:25.59 and Keaton Hincher (10:24.55), Pablo Rivas (10:27.09) and Thomas Johnson (11:06.26) all posted top-eight finishes in the men's steeplechase.

Skylan Stephens led the charge for Milligan with a 49.81 in the 400 to finish ninth. Ja'Quan Williams was 12th in 50.14, Sylas Chambers was 13th in 50.35 and Alex Windham finished 15th in 51.23. Stephens led the way in the 100 with a 12th-place finish in 11.04, followed by Fletcher in 13th at 11.11.

Gracie Allen ran Milligan's top women's 800 time of the season as she finished 11th in 2:21.70. Kiley Wood followed in 13th in 2:23.08. Austin Walker led the charge in the men's 800 as he took 16th in 1:57.44.

Megan Christian ran 1:02.03 to finish 11th in the 400.

Jemimah Ndune ran the top 100 meter dash for Milligan's women this season at 13.60.

The Buffs will serve as the hosts of the AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Science Hill High School in Johnson City next Friday and Saturday.