Outdoor Track & Field returns at the Catamount Classic

CULLOWHEE, N.C. (April 15, 2022) – The Milligan University outdoor track & field teams returned to competition for first time since the tragic death of sophomore Eli Cramer at the Catamount Classic, hosted by Western Carolina. The Buffs tallied numerous notable results, NAIA qualifying standards, personal bests and event debuts.

"This was an emotional day for our program and I'm certain they made Eli proud," said head coach Chris Layne. "Our field event folks set the tone early and I think we carried that energy through the rest of the day. I know this wasn't easy for any of them but they rose to the occasion like they always seem to do -this is an extremely special bunch and I'm so proud of them."

In the men's 1500, Will Stockley notched another NAIA "A" standard as he posted a 3:53.43 to finish as the top NAIA competitor and fourth overall. Aaron Jones was the runner-up in heat two of the 1500 and took 13th overall in 4:02.03.

In the women's 1500, Avery DeWolf Burton and Caitlin Dominy recorded national qualifying times. Burton finished second overall in 4:38.55 and Dominy clocked in at 4:38.62 to take third. Alyssa Bearzi finished seventh in 4:46.26 and Gracie Allen was 12th in 4:53.06.

Evan Henson took fourth in the 5k in 15:19.14, his top time in the event as a Buff. Matt Huff took 10th in 16:09.46 in his collegiate 5k debut.

Keith Fletcher matched Milligan's top time this season in the 200 meter dash prelims. He sprinted to a first-place finish in heat five in 22.62, the 13th-best time overall in his event debut.

Halie Hawkins cleared 3.20 meters, an outdoor personal best, to finish fourth overall.

Corey Greeson placed fifth in the javelin with a 43.67 meter mark in his event debut.

Annie Kate McDermott, Marinda Walls and Camila Rivas all notched personal bests in the outdoor 5k.

Iliana Martinez led the way in the women's hammer throw with a personal best effort of 3.84 meters.

Kamdyn Lee approached his career high in the long jump as he finished 10th at 6.36 meters.

Milligan finishes up at the Catamount Classic tomorrow.