LESLEY BOYD SETS PROGRAM RECORD IN 3000 METER AT MUSIC CITY CHALLENGE
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Chattanooga senior distance runner Lesley Boyd set the Chattanooga Mocs program record in the 3000 meter, besting the mark set in 2006 by All-American Shannon Wommack.
 
"Lesley ran an outstanding race at Vandy," Mocs head coach Andy Meyer said. "She was second to last throughout the first 1200 meters and stayed patient and focused. She worked her way through the field, closed hard the last 600 meters and set a new school record!
 
"She said she did not feel great at the start of the race but better as the race went on and got stronger each lap."
 
Boyd finished fifth overall with a time of 9:22.6, besting Wommack's record of 9:31.75 by 9.15 seconds.
 
In the 3k  invite at Vandy Lesley ran an outstanding race. She was 2nd last throughout the first 1200 and stayed patient and focused. She worked her way through the field closed hard the last 600m and setting a new school record! She said she did not feel great at the start but better as the race went on and got stronger each lap.
 
Aaron Isbell was just shy of his top mark in the men's 3000 meter run, finishing with a time of 8:37.35.
 
"Aaron started with a strong 3K race," Meyer said. "He held the lead for a bit before losing steam in the last 300 meters."
 
 
BAKER TAKES FIRST IN 5000 METER RUN AT SAMFORD'S BULLDOG INVITATIONAL
 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Freshman Lola Baker lapped the field and took first in the women's 5000 meter run Saturday at the Bulldog Invitational hosted by Samford at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
 
"Lola had a very good race and won which is great for a freshman," Meyer said. "She beat her goal time by 15 seconds. She worked through the field taking the lead by the 1200m mark and then proceeded to lap everyone in the field."
 
Baker ran the longer distance in a time of 18:45.32. Allie Potter finished seventh with a time of 21:10.83.
 
"Allie also was right at her goal pace and closed with a strong 200m her fastest lap of the race," Meyer said.
 
Kathryn Vradenburgh took second in the women's Mile with a time of 5:07.41 and Maddie Wheatcroft was right behind her in fifth at 5:10.63.
 
"Kathryn had an outstanding day and was able to win her heat," Meyer said. "She took the lead at 800 meters and just ran everyone off her heels. Maddie closed strong and went from sixth to third in her heat the last 400 meters."
 
Leah Boyd had a strong day, placing second in the women's 3000 meter in Birmingham. She set a new personal record with a time of 10:11.91. Andrea Ellis placed seventh with a personal best time of 10:38.83.
 
"She was second overall," Meyer said. "Leah ran a steady pace, working through the pack, getting to second and able to stay with the leader for another PR.
 
"Andrea, following the same race plan, also accelerated through the field and also had a huge PR."
 
Lexi Foley took fourth in the 800 meter run with a PR time of 2:17.99. She won her heat, finishing four seconds ahead of her nearest competitor. Kennedy Reynolds took first in the fourth heat with a time of 2:32.74.
 
"Lexi led her heat from start to finish and ran her second straight PR race in as many nights," Meyer said. "Kennedy also ran from the front and won her heat."
 
Eric Mitchell and Riley Hanson went one-two in their heat in the Mile and finished eighth and ninth respectively. Mitchell finished with a time of 4:23.42 followed by Hanson at 4;24.93. Tristan Gould posted a time of 4:41.64.
 
"Eric and Riley stayed relaxed and comfortable for the first 800 meters and finished with a great last 600," Meyer said. "Riley ran a PR. Tristan also won his heat, soloing away right from the gun."
 
The Mocs will spend the next two weeks in preparation for the Southern Conference Indoor Championships in Lexington, Va.
 
"Many of the kids had superb races," Meyer said. "Fitness is certainly improving. We have two more weeks to prepare before the conference meet and will use every single day to get even better."