The Canisius indoor track teams saw a trio of school records broken this weekend at the annual Youngstown Invitational, as graduate student Chad Maloy and junior Anna Phillips each broke school marks in their respective 5k events, while the women's distance medley relay also secured a new school record.
Maloy once again led the way for the Griffs securing a victory in the men's 5k event with a time of 14:29.67, breaking a 15-year-old record previously held by Chad Bader (14:36.74).
“The performance of the meet for us was Chad's victory in the 5K,” said head coach Nate Huckle. “This is always a competitive meet, so it's a big win for him.
“To break Chad Bader's record in the process added to the moment for him. It was one of the tougher marks in the record books, and it shows he is ready for great things in the post season.”
Phillips nearly equaled Maloy's performance, placing fifth in the women's 5k (18:07.47), breaking Carlin Sullivan's school record from a year ago (18:16.32).
“Anna's record in the 5k was a big step forward for her,” Huckle said. “In two weeks she stands a good chance of becoming just the fourth Griff to go under 18 minutes, and the first in school history to do it on the indoor boards.”
The women's distance medley relay, which featured two sophomores Jade Auchmoody and Haylie Virginia, as well as two freshman, Hannah Latragna and Siobhan Quinn, broke the third school record of the day (12:33.35).
“The women's DMR team showed the great potential we have for the future, as the squad is composed of two freshmen and two sophomores,” Huckle added.
The youth of the Golden Griffins continued its success in individual events, as Auchmoody ran the fourth fastest time in school history for the mile event (8th, 5:13.55), while Virginia posted the seventh fastest time in the 800 meter (23rd, 2:22.75) and Quinn claimed the eighth fastest time in the 3k (7th, 10:16.17).
“This was a great weekend overall in our preparation for the MAAC Championships in two weeks,” Huckle said. “We had a number of break-through races, as our student-athletes are rounding into form at the right time.”
For the men, senior Mike Anvelt raced well, finishing fourth in the 1k with a time of 2:35.19.
Next up for the Griffs is the Sunday Invitational in Ithaca, N.Y. on Sunday, Feb. 14.
