A stomach virus derailed Blackburn’s most experienced track athletes, Hayden Fox and Tate Kunzeman, but the three remaining members of the men’s team represented the Beavers well at the Illinois College Hilltop Invite on Friday, February 17.

Freshman Landan Tribble turned in the performance of the day for the men’s team, lowering his 800-meter time by five seconds, finishing at 2:26.68. Sophomore Marco Nova also competed in the 800 meters, competing the course in 2:41.69. Freshman Luke Bell was the other Blackburn competitor, equaling his previous Mile time at 5:50.57.

Coach Al Sturgeon said, “Although illness took out our top two runners and left us with just three competitors who are brand new to the sport, I was proud of Landan, Luke, and Marco, and am glad for any opportunity to build their racing experience. Landan ran a very impressive race, while both Luke and Marco had an important opportunity to continue to experiment with pacing themselves for their respective events.”

The indoor team hopes to have its entire team healthy and on hand next weekend for the SLIAC Indoor Championships on Saturday, February 25.