Fletcher, Kearney and Bearzi record “A” standards at Raleigh Relays

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 24, 2023) – The Milligan University outdoor track & field teams were in action at the Raleigh Relays and the Montreat College Open on Friday. The Buffs had three student-athletes secure NAIA "A" standards and another national qualifier on the day.

Keith Fletcher ran a personal best time and hit the NAIA "A" standard in the 110 meter hurdles with a personal best time of 14.60. Fletcher finished 13th in a field littered with NCAA Division I athletes and is the fifth NAIA student-athlete to hit the automatic qualifying mark this season.

Ellen Mary Kearney posted an NAIA "A" standard in the 1500 with a time of 4:32.13. Kearney's effort is the second-fastest event time in the NAIA in 2023.

Fresh off her indoor 5k national championship, Alyssa Bearzi ran an NAIA "A" standard in the 5k in 17:25.10. Caitlin Dominy joined her with a national qualifying effort in 17:30.19, narrowly missing out on the automatic standard.

"Our crew in Raleigh really did a great job today," said head coach Chris Layne. "Another big breakthrough from Keith to get us going, Ellen Mary had a great 1500 opener and I was proud of how our 5k women competed tonight"

Skylan Stephens (49.90) and Ja'Quan Williams (49.95) made their outdoor debuts in the 400 at the Raleigh Relays. Both runners met the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) standard as Stephens had the top time in the AAC so far this spring.

Montreat College Open

At Montreat, Pablo Rivas picked up a win in the 3000 meter steeplechase in 9:57.95. Alex Brittain followed in third in 10:08.42 and Keaton Hincher followed fourth in 10:11.23.

Gracie Allen took the meet title in the 1500 in 4:48.67. Anna Jones also scored in the event with a seventh-place finish in 5:05.28.

Jake Crow was the runner-up in the men's 1500 in 4:01.72. Arran Kearney (4:06.77) and Carter Windham (4:10.82) were the Buffs' next finishes in the event.

Ali Burns placed third (12:39.41) and Kaelyn Slaughter was fourth (12:55.81) in the 3000 meter steeplechase.

Mitchell McCown finished third (15:59.91) and Zimri Kuhn was fourth (16:00.84) in the 5k. Patricia Barrera (19:08.00) and Natalie Fellers (19:24.96) were third and fifth in the women's 5k.

Kacey Webb took third in her collegiate discus debut with a toss of 39.29 meters. Halie Hawkins matched a career best with a pole vault of 3.25 meters to finish fourth. Corey Greeson placed fourth in the men's discus with a top throw of 41.64 meters.

"Just a bunch of really positive results from Montreat today," said Layne. "They ticked a lot of boxes from a conference qualifier standpoint and we had a ton of PB's. Excited to see how everyone bounces back tomorrow."a

The Buffs wrap up at the Raleigh Relays and Montreat College Open tomorrow.