The men’s and women’s track and field teams are off and running after competing at the Gladstein Invitational Jan. 22 and the Illini Classic Jan. 16. Over the past couple weeks, the teams smashed several Bradley records and racked up first place finishes for various individual events.
The Illini Classic began the men’s and women’s track and field season. The event was highlighted by junior Patrick Campbell’s first place finish and Caitlin and Kristen Busch’s sub-five minute mile performances.
Not to be outdone, fifth-year senior Chase Coffey returned to the track after missing the previous season due to injury. Not only did Coffey compete, but he posted his best career mile, putting him seventh in Bradley’s record books.
Men’s and women’s track and cross country coach Darren Gauson elaborated on Coffey’s incredible story.
“Chase is a highly motivated guy,” Gauson said. “He’s really excited about the strides he’s made coming back from injury, and now [he’s] performing at his highest level.”
The men’s and women’s track and field headed to Indiana for the Gladstein Invitational, and both teams stepped up with an equally impressive showing. The two-day event was decorated with record-shattering performances from both teams.
The meet kicked off with freshman David Shadid, who broke Bradley men’s 400 meter record.
The Busch twins were at it once again, as both sisters surpassed the previous record in the women’s 3,000 meter, with Caitlin edging out Kristen for the new mark. The first day concluded as junior Caleb Beck broke Coffey’s previously held Bradley record in the men’s 5,000 meter.
“The Bush twins ran number one and number two all time in the 3k, but they know their potential and how much quicker they can run,” Gauson said.
The good times continued to roll at the second day of the Gladstein Invitational. The team of juniors Mike Bianchina and Daniel Gagne, sophomore Michael Ward and freshman Scott Seymour stole the show as they topped the previous Bradley record in the men’s 4×800 meter relay.
Gauson said he is really hoping to improve on the team success.
“Break records, get individuals to national championships and do very well as a team, that’s our goal,” Gauson said.
The men and women look to continue their success at the Meyo Invitational Feb. 5 and 6 and the Olivet Nazarene Invitational Feb. 6.
