BOSTON — Two more school records fell for the Central College track and field programs Saturday afternoon at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational.
Shaving 30 seconds off his previous best time in the indoor 5,000-meter run, Caleb Silver (fifth year, Conrad, BCLUW HS) took over the men’s program record in the event by running it in 14 minutes, 24.35 seconds during the unseeded heats of the 5000 meters, placing 28th.
“I was really proud of how he approached his 5K this morning,” Dunham said. “He set himself up for a very good race early and it paid off allowing him to run a school record.”
After stellar outings Friday, Megan Johnson (senior, Parkersburg, Aplington-Parkersburg HS), Addison Parrott (sophomore, Danville), Peyton Steffen (sophomore, Marion) and Caroline McMartin (senior, Pella) reset the women’s distance medley relay record with a time of 11:41.47, placing 17th overall and second in Division III.
“Those four crushed all of my expectations,” Dunham said. “I believe in our women more than anyone but what they did today was just special. I am so proud of them. The warmup was a bit of a mess as we got put in a faster heat at the last minute. But they stayed focused and took care of business.”
In the men’s mile, Noah Jorgenson (senior, Sidney) and Adam Sylvia (fifth year, Rochester, Mass., Old Rochester HS) were not able to exceed their previous season-best marks. Jorgenson finished in 4:06.89 and in 113rd place. Sylvia crossed the line in 4:17.84 and placed 278th.
“They battled hard in a tough environment,” Dunham said. “Anytime you pack 15 guys onto a banked track and all of them can run 4:00 in the mile, you know it is going to be a physical race. Both dealt with that today and I believe they will be ready come championship season.”
The majority of Central’s roster will compete at the Liz Wuertz Invitational next Saturday in Waverly. The distance medley relay teams for both genders are scheduled to run at the Eagle Open hosted by the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse Friday night.