LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Davis & Elkins College track & field teams delivered a record-setting weekend at the Dennis Craddock Coaches Classic, hosted by the University of Lynchburg, as the Senators broke four school records and recorded numerous personal bests across a range of events.
Junior Lauren Twyman led the charge, shattering two program records. She became the first woman in D&E history to run a sub-5:00 mile, winning the invitational section in 4:53.56, and later set a new school standard in the 800 meters with a 2:15.48 to place third and rank her No. 89 in NCAA Division II this season.
On the men's side, senior Jackson Gibson broke the school record in the mile with a winning time of 4:07.75 in the invitational section, edging out teammates Carter McKenna (4:08.87), Slate Swiger (4:12.68), and Cooper Gibson (4:13.17), who all finished in the top seven.
Sophomore Lydia Falkenstein added her name to the record books as well, winning the women's 10,000 meters in 38:50.41—the fastest time in program history. Junior Savanna Hardman was just a step behind in 38:50.52, also ranking among the top 100 in NCAA Division II this season.
The Senators dominated the women's steeplechase, sweeping the top three. Sophomore Sierra Taylor led the group with a personal-best 11:49.99, followed by freshman Alina Vallentgoed (12:07.67) and junior Rachel Snedden (12:52.27).
In the men's 800 meters, junior Tommy Bildheiser ran a personal best 1:54.29 to place fourth, while sophomore Ian Wood also hit a PR with a 55.95 for third in the 400-meter hurdles and added a fifth-place showing in the 110 hurdles (15.74).
In distance events, freshman Andrew Bowen posted a PR of 15:15.73 to finish 10th in the men's invitational 5000 meters, just behind junior Konnor Allison in eighth (15:11.86). On the women's side, sophomore Zoe Belshan placed 11th in the 5000m invitational with a season-best 18:27.77, while sophomore Brooke Jacobs ran a personal best 18:41.68 for 12th.
D&E recorded several additional personal or season bests from Ella Hesson, Cameryn Wheeler, Christopher Lucas, and others throughout the deep and competitive meet.
The Senators will look to carry their momentum into the final stretch of the season as they prepare for the Mountain East Conference Outdoor Championships.
