BOSTON – Loyola Chicago distance runners delivered a strong weekend of performances at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational and the Blue Demon Alumni Classic, combining for multiple personal records and several marks that moved up the program's all-time lists.
At the David Hemery Valentine Invitational, the Ramblers posted standout times across the mile, 3K and 5K.
In the 3K, Eugene Niox-Chateau recorded a personal-best 8:08.25 to place sixth in his heat. Nate Boutin ran 8:02.16 for 15th in his heat, a personal record that keeps him eighth all-time in Loyola history.
Running unattached in the invitational mile, Rodolfo Sanchez broke the four-minute barrier for the first time in his career, clocking a personal-best 3:59.84 to take fourth in his heat.
Loyola turned in several notable performances in the 5K. Jake Phillips led the way with a personal-best 13:41.93 to finish sixth in his heat, a time that ranks third all-time at Loyola. Cael Mulholland placed fourth in his heat in 13:59.50, a personal record that stands as the sixth-fastest mark in program history. Hayden Healey followed with a personal-best 14:00.53 to take sixth in his heat, good for eighth all-time at Loyola. Running unattached, Yusuf Baig posted a seven-second personal best of 13:55.96 to finish fourth in his heat.
At the Blue Demon Alumni Classic, Loyola continued its momentum with several top finishes and personal records.
James Howell led the Ramblers in the men's 800m, taking fifth overall and winning his heat in a personal-best time of 1:51.50. Miguel Abaitua followed with a sixth-place finish overall and fifth in his heat in 1:51.56.
Natalya Kuchenbuch represented Loyola in the women's 800m, placing 14th overall and third in her heat in 2:18.09.
In the mile, Colby Revord ran a personal-best 4:06.60 to place fifth overall, while Izak Bibile finished 11th in 4:11.14.
On the women's side, Frances Perry led Loyola with a 16th-place finish and third in her heat in a personal-best 5:10.25. Lindsey Kiehl placed 18th in 5:19.77, and McKenzie Willard took 19th overall and fourth in her heat in 5:19.97.
Francesco Benelli highlighted the 3K with a seventh-place finish and a heat win in 8:26.55. Dylan Ybarra finished 15th overall and eighth in his heat in 8:44.68, while Kyle Knutson placed 21st in 9:10.14.
In the women's 3K, Jo Collins led the Ramblers with an 18th-place finish and third in her heat in 10:19.41. Mackenzie Armstrong finished 21st overall and sixth in her heat in 10:25.06, and Kayla Schmidt placed 24th overall and ninth in her heat in 11:03.96.
