Beach Invitational Results (PDF)

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 21, 2018) – The Loyola University Chicago track & field team posted a trio of season-best times as the Ramblers closed out a strong weekend in California today at the Beach Invitational in Long Beach, Calif.
 
"It was a banner California trip for the Ramblers," Loyola head track & field coach Bob Thurnhoffer said.  "This was one of the most successful regular season trips in recent memory.  We put up numerous regional qualifying marks and marks that are very close to earning regional berths.  We had countless season and personal bests, while moving up significantly in the MVC rankings."
 
The 800m run duo of senior Cassie Bloch and junior Kevin White both turned in their top performances of the season in their respective races.  Bloch, a native of St. Clair Shores, Mich., came across in 2:12.92, while White, out of Wooster, Ohio, moved into a tie for second on the Missouri Valley Conference's leaderboard in the event after he came across in 1:50.61.
 
In the field, sophomore Eric Burns matched his season-best jump of 24-04.50 (7.43m) from the Bryan Clay Invitational on Friday.  The New Carlisle, Ind. product currently sits atop the Valley chart in the event and ranks 49^th in the NCAA West Region.
 
Loyola's men's 4x400m relay of senior Samuel Urben, juniors Leron Norton and Elijah Olige and sophomore Michael Edwards capped off the day in style for the Maroon & Gold.  The quartet clocked a time of 3:13.27, which ranks second in the MVC, to finish third overall. 
 
"I am really proud of how we took advantage of the situation and competed with extreme determination," Thurnhoffer continued.  "We showed that we are ready to contend for Valley titles, podium finishes, and primed to send a big group to the NCAA West Regional.  Championship season is upon us and we're really hitting our stride."
 
Loyola is back in action on Tuesday when it makes the short trip to suburban Romeoville, Ill. for the Lewis Twilight.