Results

The Cal State San Marcos Track and Field teams sent their best endurance runners to the Occidental Distance Carnival Friday evening, and left Los Angeles with several NAIA National Qualifiers and nearly a few new school records as well.

Sophomore Heidi Swanson came within just over a second of Dallon Williams' school record in the 1500m, completing the race in 3:39.03, and finishing 8th place overall. With her excellent early season time, Swanson qualified for nationals for the second straight year.

Also performing exceptionally well Friday were the Cougar women in the 5,000m. Cross Country All-Americans Kelly Thompson and Chelsey Cortez easily qualified for Nationals, each breaking the “A” standard by more than 40 seconds. Thompson finished 5th overall at 17:04.35, just one second off the school record, and Cortez was right there behind her in 17:07.89.

On the men's side, Daniel Lyon qualified for nationals in the 5,000m, running 14:38.54 to finish in 5th place overall. Deng Akuien finished 8th in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:37.72.

The remainder of the Cougars Track and Field team will compete Saturday at the Point Loma Collegiate Open Meet.