Trojan Distance Athletes Perform well in Eugene

Eleven Trojan track and field athletes turned in a strong showings over the weekend, at the Lane Community College open highlighted by several personal best performances and competitive finishes, particularly in the distance events. EvCC saw multiple athletes reach new marks early in the outdoor season, demonstrating continued progress as the team builds momentum.

Freshman Luke Taylor led the way for the Everett men on the track with an impressive runner-up finish in the 400 meters, clocking a personal best of 51.63 to place second overall. His performance marked one of the top finishes of the meet for the Trojans and showed significant improvement early in the outdoor campaign.

In the 800 meters, freshman William Pyeatt delivered another strong effort, finishing 11th overall in 2:06.35, also a personal best.

The distance group continued to shine in the longer races. In the 3000 meters, freshman Gus Westendorf recorded a personal best of 12:05.35, gaining valuable racing experience in the event.

Everett had an outstanding showing in the 5000 meters, where sophomore Hector Mendoza earned a third-place finish with a personal best of 16:33.59. Teammate Charlie Roberts followed closely behind, placing fourth in 16:45.04, marking a season-best performance and giving the Trojans two runners in the top four.

The Trojans also fielded a 4x400 relay team consisting of Jacob Doughty, Hector Mendoza, William Pyeatt, and Luke Taylor, which finished 10th overall in 3:51.24. Doughty also competed individually in the 400 meters, finishing 14th with a season-best 55.93.

The Everett women also produced several standout distance performances, highlighted by a strong showing in the 5000 meters. Sophomore Teagan Pentz led the Trojans with a third-place finish in a personal best time of 18:56.50, breaking the 19-minute barrier and placing among the meet's top competitors.

Sophomore Lily Rock added another solid performance for Everett, finishing fifth in 20:26.29, recording a season best, while freshman Heidi McKinley placed eighth with a personal best of 21:41.15.

In the 1500 meters, sophomore Taya Kilgore ran a personal best of 5:41.47 to finish eighth overall, continuing her steady improvement this season.

The Trojans also saw a strong effort in the 3000 meters, where sophomore Amelia Koon posted a personal best of 12:32.48 to finish 17th.

Everett capped the meet with a sixth-place finish in the women's 4x400 relay, as Teagan Pentz, Lily Rock, Heidi McKinley, and Taya Kilgore combined to run 4:55.73.

With multiple personal bests and several top-five finishes, the Trojans showed continued development across the distance events. The performances from both the men's and women's squads highlight the depth and growth of Everett's program as the team continues its outdoor season.

The Trojans now look ahead to the Peyton-Shotwell Invitational, hosted by the University of Puget Sound on March 28th.