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Track keeps toppling records

The Braves were back in action this past weekend, as the men’s and women’s track and field teams competed at the Grand Valley State Invitational and the Iowa State Classic. Headed by terrific individual performances, Bradley’s track and field teams have positioned themselves well to compete with the best runners in the conference.

Freshman Alec Hartman stole the show, breaking his previous Bradley record in the 800m run at the Iowa State Classic Saturday finishing in 1:51.92. This marked the second time in the past three weeks Hartman had broken the 800m record.

“[I’m] proud that I could get the record and make the team proud … But I know that I can run faster at each and every meet,” Hartman said.

As a true freshman, Hartman has been a force for the Braves so far, and head coach Darren Gauson has taken notice.

“Alec’s a really good competitor,” Gauson said. “He’s had such a good start so far as a true freshman … We’re really excited in what he’s going to bring.”

Senior Patrick Campbell ran a 14:24.76 in the 5,000m last Friday – the third fastest time in the MVC this season. Junior Daniel Gagne and freshman Jake Hoffert also set personal bests in the 3,000m run at 8:13.88 and 8:15.33 respectively.

On the women’s team, junior Hannah Witczak set her personal best time of 9:55.58 in the 3,000m, which put her fifth all-time on Bradley’s list.

“When you get a lot of personal bests and bigger performances two weeks before the conference meet, that speaks volumes on how they’re preparing for the build up to the championship,” Gauson said.

This weekend, the Braves will run in their last non-conference meet at Eastern Illinois before the Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championship Feb. 25.

“We want to build on the performances and replicate them in the Missouri Valley Conference,” Gauson said. “That’s our goal … we’ve got to go out there and compete.”

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