The Blackburn men’s indoor team returned to the track on Saturday, February 4, for the Jim Green Invite on the campus of Illinois College. Blackburn was one of eighteen teams competing, including six from the SLIAC alongside a variety of D2, D3, and NAIA programs.

Freshman Tate Kunzeman led the way for the Beavers by finishing seventh in the 400 meters in his first attempt at the event as a college athlete. Kunzeman ran a time of 55.57, which was the third fastest time for a SLIAC competitor in the open 400. In addition, Kunzeman ran the opening leg of the 4 x 400 relay for Blackburn and handed off with a commanding lead in their heat.

Four other Blackburn men turned in strong performances on the day. Three competed in the 800 meters for the first time this season: junior Hayden Fox finished in 2:21.43, freshman Landan Tribble in 2:31.93, and sophomore Marco Nova in 2:39.17. Finally, Luke Bell shaved twenty-five seconds off his initial time in the Mile run from the week before with a 5:50.37 finish.

Coach Al Sturgeon said, “I was very impressed with the men’s team on Saturday. Both Tate and Hayden gave strong performances and have left no doubt regarding their speed. With time building endurance, their times will continue to improve. And Landan, Luke, and Marco, who are all new to the sport, are seeing rapid improvements as expected. We left the meet hungry for more chances to compete!”

The indoor team will return to Illinois College for the Hilltop Classic on Friday, February 17.