WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Montreat College men's and women's track & field teams traveled to Winston-Salem, N.C. on Thursday and Friday for the Wake Forest Invitational, sending five athletes to compete against a plethora of NCAA Division I, II and professional talent. The Cavaliers shined with standout performances across four events, recording four NAIA 'A' standards along with four personal bests and two school records.
Thursday's competition opened in section one of the men's 3000m steeplechase, where Brock Lauer surged to a runner-up finish in a 10-athlete field, eclipsing the 'A' standard by nearly four seconds with a personal-best 9:11.37. Hugo Petat-Hemono followed in third, also meeting the 'A' mark with a 9:11.70, shaving nearly 12 seconds off his previous best.
Nathan Cremin capped day one for the Cavs in the 800m invite, claiming first in a nine-athlete field in section two and placing third overall among 27 competitors. The Gardner-Webb University transfer shattered the school record by more than four seconds while setting a personal best of 1:46.45, easily clearing the 'A' standard by over five seconds. His time ranks second in the association's history, just 0.28 seconds off the record set in 1997, and stands as the fastest mark in the NAIA this season by more than two seconds.
Heather Murphy turned in an impressive showing under the lights on day two, competing in the second section of the women's 5000m invite on Friday night and establishing new personal and program records with a time of 16:25.12. The Portarlington, Ireland native trimmed nearly five seconds from her previous best while navigating a highly competitive field. She finished eighth among 24 runners and met the 'A' standard, posting the second-fastest mark in the nation this season.
Ryan Stade wrapped up day two for the Cavaliers in the second section of the men's 5000m invite, clocking 14:24.94 to finish just 0.69 seconds shy of his personal best and program record. Competing in a 25-runner field loaded with NCAA Division I talent, Stade crossed the line in 23rd while achieving the NAIA 'B' standard. His effort ranks as the sixth-fastest mark in the association this season.
For full results from the Wake Forest Invitational, click here.
The Cavs return to action next week with full focus on the AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which are set for April 23-25 at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C.
