Kelsey Weil
Contributing Writer
 

SPRINGFIELD, OH - The Pioneers returned to Wittenberg University on Saturday for their final tune-up before the HCAC Championships, competing in the Steemer Invitational and delivering one of their strongest team performances of the season. After a challenging outing the previous week, Transylvania responded with multiple personal bests and several new school records.

Ella Detjen reclaimed the school record in the mile, continuing the season-long back-and-forth with teammate Kaycee Moore. Detjen posted a 5:17.97 to lower the mark once again. Freshman Trevor Bush added another school record to the day, winning his heat in the 400m with a time of 50.51. Bush also won his heat in the 60m, clocking a 7.21.

Hayden Scott shattered a long-standing school record in the shot put, throwing a massive personal best of 13.84m. In the sprints, Jatajza Pinkney earned a big indoor/outdoor personal best in the 400m, finishing in 61.77.

Ayden Jackson turned in a strong meet of his own, recording two personal bests. He won his heat in the 60m with a time of 7.33 and added another PB in the 200m at 23.86. In the women's distance group, both Kelsey Weil and Maggie Simmons delivered standout efforts in the mile, with Weil dropping 10 seconds to run 5:42.77 and Simmons cutting seven seconds to finish in 5:43.12.

Head Coach Matt Andrews praised the team's response, saying, "Really happy with how our team bounced back after encountering some adversity at last weekend's meet. We saw tons of great performances across all event groups and are in a great position to compete well at the conference championships next weekend."

The Pioneers now turn their focus to the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships next Saturday at Mount St. Joseph University.

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. To keep up to date with all of the Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.