Ben Hall led the charge for Montreat College at this week's Mountaineer Track & Field Invitation at Appalachian State University. Hall ran his second fastest 5K as a Cavalier by clocking 16:10.77 at 3,333ft of elevation; due to the elevation Hall's time is adjusted to 15:59.43. Hall finished in 3^rd place overall.

"This was a nice fitness test for Ben," said Larios of his junior runner from Polk County High School. "We're focused on the marathon for the outdoor championships, so I wasn't too sure of what to expect. I believe he's pretty close to his best racing shape. I think this indoor 5K bodes well for him for this spring."

Another standout performance came from freshman Olivia Mills. Mills ran her first ever Indoor Mile competition and finished in 7^th out of 17 finishers with a time of 5:42.52. 

"Olivia was boxed in early in the race… it looked like she wanted to go a little faster from the start. She was able to take the lead around the third lap. She finished second in her heat. I though it was a great learning experience for her," added Larios.

Other Cavalier performers were William Parker in the long jump. He leaped 18' 6.5" in the long jump while running 41.97 in the 300m dash. His roommate, Will Musto ran a 10:15.91 in the 3k after running the 1000m in 2:55.21. Noah Hall competed in his first collegiate track meet by running the 600m in 1:30.30. Also running the 3k was sophomore Jared Nielsen; he earned a 10:01.77 and a 9^th place finish.

Also competing for the women's team was Elyse Gildernew and newcomer Kim Hibbitt. Gildernew and Hibbitt competed in the women's 800m run and posted a 2:51.24 and 2:54.28, respectively.

The Cavaliers will continue to train before heading to Lees-McRae on March 13^th for their first outdoor competition.