ALLENDALE, Mich. – Given the opportunity to compete against many of the nation's best athletes, the Concordia University Irvine track and field teams shined at the Big Meet hosted by Grand Valley State University.
Over the course of the two-day event, more than 3,000 student-athletes from 300 different institutions competed at the Kelly Family Sports Center.
Two Eagles set the tone immediately on Friday with historic performances. Senior
Madison Hergert sprinted to a school record in the 400 meter dash with a time of 57.53 seconds. On the men's side,
Chais Hamilton put his name in the CUI record books with a career-best mark in the weight throw.
"We sent out athletes to Michigan to hit big marks and they lived up to that," said an excited CUI head coach
Keegan Bloomfield. "Specifically Maddie and Chais. Maddie ran faster than she ever has indoors and will keep getting faster. She's looking really strong right now. She's a great leader for our team in her performances but also in her character."
"Chais breaking the school record in the weight throw is big time," said Bloomfield. "That's the first men's throws record we've broken in awhile. Chais has put in the work. To see him go out and handle his business makes me so happy for him. He's a student of the sport and continues to impress me. His mark is also a provisional mark which is a first for our men's throws group."
Rosalba Cabrera won her heat in the 5K race on Friday, with
Bailey Wade and
Anthony Ruiz each posting a personal record (PR) as well. On Saturday, Wade, Cabrera,
David Brito and
Jason St. Pierre also earned personal records in their 3K races.
Recently named Newport Rib Company Eagle of the Week Tamia Prince won the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.78 seconds on Saturday. Prince also turned in a time of 7.70 seconds in the 60m dash which was good for a fourth place finish.
"Out of all the performances that were great, I'm most excited about our commitment to being a TEAM,"
tweeted Bloomfield on Saturday.
For the full CUI women's track and field schedule, click here.
For the full CUI men's track and field schedule, click here.
