Photo by Kelly Young

Los Angeles, CA – The Occidental track and field team hosted numerous athletes at the Oxy Invite on Saturday. The high level of competition pushed each athlete to perform to the best of their abilities. It was also a chance to watch some elite athletes compete.

Eliza Hawley had an amazing performance in the 800m dash, winning her flight with a new PR of 2:18.32. In the 200m, Emma Watkins had a big breakthrough, setting a new collegiate best for herself (26.95). Jenna LeNay also had a 31 second PR in the 5K, which allowed her to finish first in her flight and 16th overall (17:29.82).  This time moves LeNay to the second spot on the All Time Oxy list in the 5K.  Ciara Gillen finished the steeplechase in fifth place, less than a second behind her PR.  On the field, Karis Palomino had a big PR, vaulting 2.96m. 

The men's 4x1 team (Haliburton, Goodman, Fong, and Spencer) started off the day strong with a new PR (42.17) and took first place overall. Chris Haliburton became the Tigers' fastest 200m sprinter with his new PR (22.14). Baruch Goodman left the Oxy Invite with three new lifetime bests in the 4x1, 200m (22.22), and 400m (48.97). In the 1500m, Aidan Lindhe-Johan beat his lifetime best that was set a year earlier (4:00.69). Amir Barkan had set a lifetime best in the 5K (14:29.61) and placed fourth in his heat.  Barkan's time earned him the eighth spot on the All Time Oxy list.  Harrison Williams ended his 2023 hurdle season extremely well with a PR in the 400m hurdles (57.17). Renn Stearns had a big PR in the 3K steeple (9:19.76).

Some Tigers will be continuing their post-season by competing at the Azusa Pacific Last Chance meet on Saturday, May 13 at Azusa Pacific.