RALEIGH, N.C. (March 25, 2021) – Junior Kathleen Simms ran the third fastest 10,000m run time in program history this evening on the first day of action for the Loyola University Chicago track & field teams at the Raleigh Relays in Raleigh, N.C.
 
"You never know what a 10k will bring and I thought the ladies did a great job preparing and being ready to go," Loyola associate head coach Alan Peterson commented.  "Kathleen had an amazing debut and will be close to the NCAA West Preliminary with that time."
 
Simms raced through in 34:11.69 in the event, edging out Virginia Tech's Sara Freix (34:14.86) for fifth place.  The Louisville, Kent. native's time from this evening at the Paul H. Derr Track is the fastest in the 10,000m run by a Rambler since Lindsey Brewis ran 33:56.32 at the 2019 edition of the Raleigh Relays.
 
Senior Mimi Reimers competed alongside Simms in the 10,000m run, claiming 18^th with a time of 35:05.87 that was just 12 seconds shy of her personal best in the event.
 
Competing in the men's 1,500m run, senior Demetri Panici clocked a personal-best 3:50.71.  That time saw the Tinley Park, Ill. product shave three seconds off his previous top time, as he took second in his heat and 52^nd overall.
 
"We send our athletes to meets like this to give them opportunities to run fast times," Loyola assistant coach Mircea Bogdan said.  "Demetri took advantage and came up with a great time and lifetime personal best.  He is getting better and better with each meet.  I am excited to see him race in the 800m run on Saturday.  I know he is sitting on a ton of great work, and his confidence and focus are high."
 
Loyola continues competition at the Raleigh Relays on Friday.