San Marcos, CA – The men's and women's track and field teams only sent three student-athletes to California State University, San Marcos for the Mangrum Invitational, but their small numbers didn't stop them from making big waves at the meet.  Amidst a field of top-tier competitors, Ciara Gillen, Renn Stearns, and Jenna LeNay each delivered momentous performances that etched their names into the annals of Occidental track and field history.

Senior Ciara Gillen continues to make strides in the women's 3000 meter steeplechase, delivering a stunning performance that not only secured her a seventh-place finish at the meet, but also shattered her personal record by an impressive 11 seconds.  Clocking in at 11:18.37, Gillen's remarkable feat earned her the prestigious third spot on Occidental's Track and Field All-Time Oxy list, solidifying her legacy as one of the program's finest student-athletes.

Junior Renn Stearns carried the momentum in the men's 3000 meter steeplechase by also finishing in seventh place with a time of 9:11.07.  Not only did Stearns set a new personal record by eight seconds, but his exceptional performance also earned him the eighth spot on the All-Time Oxy list.  Stearns' dedication and hard work have propelled him to new heights, making him a formidable competitor in the steeplechase discipline.

Sophomore Jenna LeNay exhibited her dominance in the grueling 10,000 meter run, delivering a masterful performance that left her competitors in the dust.  With a commanding lead of over two minutes ahead of the next finisher, LeNay crossed the finish line with a remarkable time of 36:25.06.  Not only did this effort secure her victory in the event, but it also marked a significant milestone in her career, as she set a new personal record by over a minute and smashed the time she ran at the SCIAC Championships last track season.  LeNay's exceptional performance also earned her the esteemed second spot on the All-Time Oxy list, underscoring her stats as one of the programs most accomplished student-athletes.

The stellar achievements of Gillen, Stearns, and LeNay at the Mangrum Invitational epitomize the Tiger spirit and pursuit of excellence.  As they continue to push the boundaries of their potential, these student-athletes serve as inspiration for their teammates and competitors alike, setting the stage for even greater success in the future.

The track and field teams will compete at the Pomona-Pitzer Invite tomorrow.  Many of them have had three weeks off due to weather conditions affecting their meet schedule.  With that in mind, tomorrow should prove to be an excellent day for the Tigers who are well-rested and ready to compete.