SEATTLE — BYU track and field distance crews saw podium finishes from James Corrigan, Joey Nokes, Lexy Halladay-Lowry, Riley Chamberlain and Sadie Sargent on the Dempsey Indoor Track Friday evening.
Men's Recap
"Great races by our guys tonight," said BYU director of track and field Ed Eyestone. "There was a really nice personal best performance by James. Joey and him were on a mission to get qualified for nationals and they ran a strong race to go first and second. Unfortunately, they came up a little short for nationals, but it will be a nice prep race for the Big 12 Conference Championships. Issac Hedengren had a big personal best in the 3000m as well."
Corrigan and Nokes finished first and second overall in the 5000m, with Corrigan putting on a program top-10 performance to land at No. 5 all-time. He finished in 13:30.67 with Nokes at 13:31.30.
"While I'm really pleased with a personal best, the job we came to do isn’t done," said Corrigan. "We’re still focused on getting a nationals qualifier. Huge shoutout to Lucas for an amazing pacing job and Joey for driving the pace when he stepped off. I’ll feel like I can relax and celebrate a bit more when Joey and I get the mark we need.”
"We had a solid day but just barely missed the cusp to qualify for nationals," said Nokes. "It's cool to see that the fitness is there and fun to be able to have a few BYU guys hop in a race and make it fast. Looking forward to our first ever Big 12 Indoor Championships with some quick competition."
Issac Hedengren clocked a 7:56:54 in the 3000m, placing 13th overall. It was the freshman's first collegiate career attempt in the event.
Women's Recap
The women's distance crew saw five program top-10 performances in the 3000m, with the Cougars sweeping the first three podium spots. Halladay-Lowry came first across the line at 8:51.00, with Chamberlain in second at 8:51.21 and Sargent in third at 8:54.12. Jenna Hutchins placed sixth overall in 8:55.5 with Aubrey Frentheway in 10th with 9:03.60. The new top-10 placements are as follows: No. 3 Halladay-Lowry, No. 4 Chamberlain, No. 5 Sargent, No. 6 Hutchins and No. 9 Frentheway.
"Great night for our women," said women's distance coach Diljeet Taylor. "I'm really proud of the gutsy effort and we're excited to see how tomorrow goes."
"We went in hoping to have another moment like we did in the 5k where we had multiple women running crazy fast times," said Halladay-Lowry. "When I turned around and saw not only Riley, but Sadie and Jenna coming in right behind me, it was a dream come true for us. It’s a true testament of the depth we have in this team and the sisterhood that Coach Taylor has been able to develop within all of us."
"Today was a super special opportunity for Jenna, Lexy, Sadie, Aubrey and I to all be in the same race together," said Chamberlain. " I’m really happy we were able to capitalize on that opportunity and all pull off something so great. I’m grateful to have such an awesome squad to train and compete with."
The Cougars will resume competition on day two of the Husky Classic with the women's mile at 11:30 a.m. followed by the men's mile at 12:15 MST. An additional women's distance crew will compete at the Mountain State Games hosted by Idaho State on Saturday, with a broadcast avaliable on ESPN+ at 12:15 p.m. MST.