ERIE, P.A. - The Franciscan University track and field program competed in their final meet of the year at the Penn State Behrend Invitational, ending the season with success.
"What a day," head coach Vince Oliver said. "Our efforts and our success today were fantastic. That's indicative of the work that you did. There were more personal records and a lot of won events today."
Standouts from the day include athletes from both the men's and women's sides. Sophomore Brian Tullier continued to excel in shot put, placing third and throwing another personal record to finish of the season. Tullierthrew a 13.18 m, improving from last week's PR of 12.7m.
"Brian, holy cow. I didn't know that we'd get to 13 this year," Oliver said. "I go back to Bethany's 10.98m throw.From that throw to today, just about every single throw that he has had in competition has gotten better and better. That's indicative of the work that you have done and the efforts of your coaches. Fantastic work today from Brian."
Freshman Emmett Delaney also PRed in the day's meet, running a 17:55.93 in the 5000 m.
"Emmett got under 18 minutes today and that's a fantastic effort," Oliver said. "Man, he went for it and it's a stepping stone. He's a freshman and he has three more years to go. He is only going to get better and that's a great thing. His efforts paid off and he reached some goals today."
Oliver also said he was pleased with sophomore Joseph Wynn and his first year running with the program. Wynn ran the 5000 meter in 20:47.85.
"Joe Wynn came along this year thinking he would try it out and it moved right along for him," Oliver said. "He had a fantastic season. The stronger and more comfortable he gets with himself, the sky is the limit."
Freshman Samuel Ivkovich also had a successful day, running a 4:44.43 PR in the 1500 meter.
"Sam did a great job today too," Oliver said. "He had a PR in the 15 by several seconds. After battling injuries all year long, today again, we got to the point where we needed to be."
The women also achieved strong results for the Baron track and field program.
Sophomore Hannah Cooke ran the 100 meters with a time of 14:14. In the 400 meter, freshman Susanna Almeida placed third and ran a 1:04.47.
Junior Allison Huelseman won the 1500 meter and came in second in the 5000. She ran the 1500 in 5:10.30 and the 5000 in 20:03.43.
"Allison had another fantastic day," Oliver said. "What a great year and what a great season and what a blessing she has been to all of us because we get to see her get better and better. Every week she just does it."
Junior Elena Luke had her second best jump of the seasonat 4.51 meters. Luke also placed second in the 800, running a 2:35.32. Oliver said there are only bigger and better things to come for Luke. Senior Jane Crosby placed first in that same 800 meter race, running a 2:28.56.
Oliver also commended junior Katherine Molidor for a great season with the program. Molidor ran the 5000 in theday's meet placing fifth with a time of 22:20.86.
"Katie's efforts and her love and her leadership made her the momma of this crew," Oliver said. "She has brought us together all season long and she have given us opportunity to be together and to build this team but she has also worked her tail off. Her efforts today and her results today, there she is. It has been a pleasure and congratulations to her."
The Barons end their season with a day of accomplishments at the Penn State Behrend Invitational. Oliver said he is hopeful for what the program has in the future, and is proud of what they achieved this year.
