May 14, 2007

Photo Gallery 

WASHINGTON - In his final tuneup before the NCAA East Regional in 11 days, American University distance runner Brendan Fennell showed his fitness is coming around at just the right time, running a blazing 4:03.19 mile to break the school outdoor record Monday night.

Along with Awit Yohannes, Fennell lined up in a special invite mile at the Swarthmore College last chance meet. Competing against two runners from Villanova and guided by a pacemaker who took the leaders through the 1200 in 2:59, the AU duo both ran personal bests. Fennell hung with the leaders through 1100 meters and passed the 3/4 mile in 3:01, closing in 61 seconds to run 4:03.19 to place third. The time eclipsed four-time All-America Sean O'Brien's 4:04 from 2001. Yohannes ran gamely after falling off the pace through an 800 in 2:01. The AU senior closed well over the final 400 to run 4:08.08 the fourth-fastest time in school outdoor history.

The race was primarily a tuneup for the 5000 meter competition at the NCAA East Regional Friday 25th. Both Fennell and Yohannes have established themselves as the premier distance specialists in school history, owning the top-two times at AU in the 5000 meters.

Race Video

On Sunday, a trio of Eagles also raced in New York City. Steve Hallinan, Carlos Jamieson and Brian McCabe competed in the 1500m. After leading the pack through three laps, Hallinan was caught in the final 100m and ended up third in 3:50.65 with McCabe in seventh at 3:56.96 and Jamieson in eighth at 3:57.64.

Hallinan, Jamieson, Yohannes and Fennell will be joined at the NCAA East Regional by school 800m record holder Dustin Emrani. This season marks the first time five Eagle men have qualified for the NCAA East Regional.

Check back with AUEagles.com Tuesday for a photo gallery from Fennell and Yohannes' race.