WASHINGTON, Pa.—Franciscan University of Steubenville track team joined 19 other universities in competing at the Washington and Jefferson College's Sixth Annual Invitational on Saturday. Notching only six points, the Barons placed 17th out of the 19 schools while the Lady Barons placed 16th out of 18 schools with a total of 11 points.
Despite a weak overall placement, the Lady Barons had exceptional standouts at the meet. Senior Kailey Gotta placed second in the 5,000 meter run with a time of 18:39.30. Gotta's performance earned Franciscan eight points and qualification for the ECAC championship come May. Also in the 5,000 meter race, freshman Molly Chambers placed well for Franciscan in the 14th spot with a time of 20:54.98. Amanda Looman earned eighth place in the 400 meter dash with a time of 1:08.41. Looman added one point to the Lady Baron score, and Julie Randall wrapped up the total points with two in discus.
The Barons gave notable performances in the 5,000 meter run as well, with Bill Jones running a 15:11.60 time, placing third and scoring six points for Franciscan, as well as also earning a spot in May's ECAC championship. Jones' time beat the invitational's previous meet record of 15:13.11, a record set in 2008.
Jack Kaiser also ran the 5,000 meter race and beat his seeded time. Seeded to run a 16 flat, Kaiser pushed out a 15:57.98 time to place 12th in the race overall. Freshman Peter Schreck placed 22nd in the 800 meter dash with a time of 2:04.70.
The track team will continue its season with another meet Saturday, April 9, at the Marietta College Invitational.
