More School Records Fall as ‘Birds Prepare for Conference Meet

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific track and field teams took part in the Fresno State Invitational on Saturday, turning in another strong day as a tune-up for the PacWest Conference Championships.

RESULTS

QUOTABLE:

"Today was a historic day for our distance squad, as two school records were broken on the men's side in two very challenging and trademark events. Patrick Kiprop's steeplechase effort was remarkable because he had to do it alone from the gun, and no one in the field could run at his clip. To push that hard in such a punishing race requires exceptional toughness, and he is just a freshman. As he becomes a better technical hurdler over the years, he is going to keep lowering this mark every year. The 1500m run is the 'metric mile', so it has always been a premier event in our sport. Our program has proven to be a place where milers can run fast, and Bryan Banuelos is actually reimagining just how fast and dominant our program can become. As a redshirt freshman, he's got a long way to go before finding out his limits. The future looks bright for Fresno Pacific." – head coach Ray Winter

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Patrick Kiprop broke the 3000m steeplechase school record, which has stood since 1979. He ran 9:12.61 to break Juan Garza's 42-year-old record by just over a second, and his time is a provisional qualifier for nationals.
Also taking down a school record and putting up a provisional qualifier was Bryan Banuelos in the 1500m run.
Two-time PacWest Athlete of the Week Brett Lombardi picked up a victory in the 400 hurdles, and his time of 54.30 currently ranks him second in the conference this spring.
Bjoern Adden picked up a victory in the long jump with a distance of 6.94 m (22'9.25").
Cullin Bates (14.75) and Adden gave the Sunbirds a 1-2 finish in the men's 110 hurdles.
Adden continued his strong day with a third-place finish in the high jump, doing so with a distance of 1.96 m (6'5").
Alicia Garcia came in second in the javelin with a distance of 41.57 meters.
All-Americans Chloe Sharp (55.67) and Madison Flores (55.96) each ran a lifetime-bestin the 400, and both now rank in the top four on the program record books.
Moe Bradley finished second in the shotput with a mark of 15.50m, narrowly missing his lifetime best.
Mikaela Smith ran a season best 2:11.05 in the 800, a time that currently ranks her 12th in the performance list nationally in the event.
Gianna Dickson finished third in the 400 hurdles in a lifetime best 1:02.06.
Jojo Zorn had a great day in the 1500 for the Sunbirds, clocking a lifetime best 4:40.99 and moving up to 3rd on FPU's all-time performance list.

UP NEXT:

The Sunbirds are back in action on Friday for the opening day of the PacWest Championships. Fresno Pacific will serve as the host school and live video streaming will be available free of charge. Per Fresno County guidelines, spectators will not be permitted and will be asked to leave.

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Players Mentioned

Jojo Zorn: 5' 6"; Redshirt Junior

Madison Flores: 5' 7"; Freshman

Gianna Dickson: 5' 9"; Freshman

Chloe Sharp: 5' 4"; Freshman

Bryan Banuelos: Mid-Distance; 5' 8"; Sophomore

Cullin Bates: Hurdles; 6' 2"; Sophomore

Mikaela Smith: Mid-Distance; Senior

Bjoern Adden: Decathlon; 6' 2"; Senior

Brett Lombardi: Decathlon; Junior

Patrick Kiprop: Distance; 6' 2"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Jojo Zorn
: 5' 6"; Redshirt Junior

Madison Flores
: 5' 7"; Freshman

Gianna Dickson
: 5' 9"; Freshman

Chloe Sharp
: 5' 4"; Freshman

Bryan Banuelos
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: Mid-Distance

Cullin Bates
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: Hurdles

Mikaela Smith
: Senior
: Mid-Distance

Bjoern Adden
: 6' 2"; Senior
: Decathlon

Brett Lombardi
: Junior
: Decathlon

Patrick Kiprop
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: Distance