PROVO, Utah – The BYU track and field distance groups will head to Boston University to compete at the John Thomas Terrier Classic Friday through Saturday.
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Live Results: Lancer Timing Services
Men's Preview
The men's distance group enters the Terrier Classic having had two recent successful home meets.
"This is an important meet for us," said director of track and field Ed Eyestone. "The Boston track has proven to be probably the fastest track in the nation, and that's one reason we are going out there. This is really my guys' opportunity to run fast and run times to qualify them for the Big 12 Championships. Now that we have an indoor conference meet, we have limited spots, so it's very important for them to post fast times."
Aidan Troutner will compete in the 3000 and 5000-meter races. Troutner ran a 3:59.2 mile at the Cougar Invitational just over a week ago. It was a 3:54.51 when converted for elevation, placing him at fifth in the nation. It was the first indoor sub four-minute mile ever in the state of Utah.
Sebastian Fernandez will race in the 800m on Friday, followed by the 4x400m relay with teammates Joe Lighthall, Zarek Proffit and Hayden Gray. Fernandez currently holds the No. 3 spot on the program's top-10 board, clocking a 1:47.63 at the 2023 Razorback Invitational last season.
A pack of freshman will enter the one mile, including Carter Cutting in what will be his debut race as a Cougar. Cutting's notable high school accomplishments include two Oregon State Cross Country titles as well as being named the 2023 Oregon Boys Track and Field Gatorade Player of the Year.
Other notable entries include James Corrigan and Joey Nokes in the 3000m, as well as Lucas Bons and Caleb Johnson in the one mile.
Women's Preview
The women's distance group will return to Boston having had previous success back in early December at the 2023 Sharon-Colyear Season Opener, where seven athletes posted program top-10 times.
"I'm super excited for my women," said women's distance coach Diljeet Taylor. "There is always fast times in Boston. I expect some national qualifiers. We are ready."
Meghan Hunter won the 800m race at the Season Opener, clocking a 2:03.54 across the finish line to put her at No. 5 all-time. Hunter also posted a 55.56 in the 400m at the same track in February of last season at the 2023 David Hemery Valentine Invite.
Taylor Lovell finished atop the mile in both home meets, posting a 4:55.81 at the BYU December Invite. Lovell also clocked a 4:52.99 just a month later at the Cougar Invitational. Teammate Alissa Fielding finished second at 4:57.15.