NAPERVILLE, ILL. — The Gregory Invitational, held on the campus of North Central College, provided three Central College track and field athletes the opportunity to improve their marks on the first day of competition Wednesday.
           
In the 5,000-meter run, Isaac Steffensmeier (senior, Fort Madison) captured second place in a time of 15 minutes, 15.45 seconds, despite the weather.

"I am really proud of Isaac," Dunham said. "He competed really hard in brutal conditions of 25-30 mile per hour winds."
           
Unable to move his time into NCAA qualifying range, Stefffensmeier ran the final race of his career at Central.

"I'm more proud of the legacy he leaves our program," Dunham said. "It will live on for years to come. His presence at practice and competitions will be sorely missed.

It was an honor to coach him. Our programs benefitted greatly from his contributions."
           
Central's other two competitors were both entered in throwing events. Lorell Stuht (senior, Loveland, Colo.) was sixth in the women's hammer throw (158-10) and Nathan Fitzgerald (sophomore, Elkader, Central Elkader HS) was fourth in the men's disus throw (138-11).

"Nathan had a great day in the discus," Dunham said. "He had couple of throws that he couldn't save that were further. Lorell showed a lot of improvement. They'll both have another chance tomorrow at Augustana."

Stuht and Fitzgerald will be among the competitors at the Augustana Twilight Qualifier. Another contingent of distance runners will remain at the Gregory Invitational.