BOSTON, Mass. & YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Davis & Elkins College track and field team wrapped up a strong weekend of competition as a select group competed at the YSU Last Chance Invitational at Youngstown State University, while Jan Thewes raced in the national qualifier at Boston University, setting a new school record and NCAA provisional time in the 5000-meter run.

Thewes clocked 14:15.69 in Boston, a time that currently ranks No. 33 in NCAA Division II and No. 2 in the Atlantic Region.

At Youngstown, the Senators posted several event wins and personal bests, using the meet as a final tune-up before the Mountain East Conference (MEC) Indoor Championships.

Men's Highlights

• Carter McKenna claimed victory in the mile, crossing in 4:19.
• Slate Swiger won the 3000m in 8:40, with McKenna finishing second at 8:43.
• Ryan Rasco led a 1-2-4 finish in the 800m, winning in 1:55.01, followed by Jackson Gibson (1:55.31, 2nd) and Cooper Gibson (1:56.64, 4th).
• Several athletes earned personal bests and top-10 finishes, including Ian Wood (8.57, 60m hurdles), Konnor Allison (15:09, 5000m), Andrew Bowen (8:55, 3000m), Tristan Blatt (51.48, 400m), and Gabe Conder (4:27, mile).

Women's Highlights

• The 3000m trio of Zoe Belshan (10:28), Rebecca Tellez (10:34), and Brooke Jacobs (10:40) finished 2nd-4th overall, all with significant personal bests.
• Alina Vallentgoed placed fifth in the mile with a season-best 5:23.
• Cameryn Wheeler (2:21, 800m) and Taytum Walls (2:25, 800m) finished third and sixth, respectively, with Wheeler also securing a top-10 finish in the 400m.

Head Coach Jason Pyles emphasized the significance of the meet as a final opportunity to improve MEC qualifying times and prepare for the conference championship next weekend.

"This meet was a great final tune-up and chance for many to improve their MEC qualifying times," Pyles said. "We were able to accomplish what we needed from the meet and also rest several athletes in preparation for next weekend's indoor championship. In Boston, Jan ran in one of the biggest meets in the country and had a great performance, adding another NCAA provisional time and school record. Now, all sights are on finishing the indoor season strong at the MEC Championships."

The Senators will now shift their focus to the MEC Indoor Championships, set to take place next weekend.