Fresno, CA - Bryan College Track and Field competed in the preliminary rounds of the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships hosted by Fresno Pacific University on Thursday with mixed results.
Redshirt freshmen Daniel Goetz (Chattanooga, TN) qualified for the finals of the 3,000 meter steeplechase by winning the second semifinal heat with a time of 9:20.04. Crossing the line within a second of Goetz were athletes Jeff Symonds of University of British Columbia and Kevin Jeffers of Southern Oregon. Goetz was the lone freshmen to reach the final.
"Goetz looked in control the entire way. He sat in the back for the first two laps and slowly moved up through the field. It was impressive and sets him up well for Saturday's final. His confidence is high and it's fun to have him on top of game at the season's end," said head coach Rodney Stoker.
Freshmen Josh Bradley (Ringgold, GA) finished seventh in heat number one of the men's 800 meter prelim in 1:55.31 and failed to advance to the Friday's semifinal.
"It was tough to watch and Josh is very disappointed with his performance. He'll learn a lot from this experience and be more prepared for his next championship race. He had a tremendous year that ended with a personal best of 1:52.35, with two national championship appearances with indoor and outdoor," stated Stoker.
Goetz will compete in the 3,000 meter steeplechase final at 2:20PM pacific time on Saturday.