The American University men's track team won two events at
the Coastal Carolina Invitational over the weekend as both the men
and women opened their outdoor seasons. Craig Brown edged out teammate Jeff Brannigan to win the men's
3000 meter run while Colin Eustis crossed the line first in the
1500 meter run.
American dominated the men's 3000 as the Eagles claimed
seven of the top-ten spots. Brown was the first to cross the line
in 8:29.39, besting the previous meet record of 8:36.31 and running
the sixth fastest time in school history. He was followed in second
place by Brannigan who posted the seventh fastest time in American
history at 8:30.37. Conor Sullivan (8:36.29), Josh Olsen (8:39.03) and Ryan Williams (8:41.77) placed fourth,
fifth and sixth, respectively, while Mark Allen (8:51.83) and Garrett Martucci (8:53.89) rounded out
the top-10 in ninth and 10th.
The American men also had a strong showing in the 1500 meter run
as Eustis won the event with a time of 3:59.24. He was joined in
the top-10 by Williams who took fourth with a time of 4:01.51 and
Olsen who placed sixth in 4:01.76. Mark Leinenger also competed in the
event and placed 11th with a time of 4:07.40.
Sullivan returned to the track to compete in the 800 meter run
where he ran to a second-place finish with a time of 1:53.79, just
shy of cracking American's top-10 list. James Cannon joined Sullivan on the
starting line and placed fifth with a time of 1:56.53.
Erin Koch was the top performer on the
women's side, placing third in the 800 meter run with a time
of 2:15.91, the third fastest time in program history. Tina Thomas competed in the 400 meter dash
where she posted the third fastest time in school history of
1:00.32.
In the women's 3000 meter run, Rachel Forcino placed ninth with a
time of 10:27.31 which ranks sixth all-time at American. Greta Wicklund also competed in the 3000 and
placed 14th in 10:42.76.
The Eagles will return to the track Saturday, March 27, at the
Maryland Invitational in College Park, Md.
