Distance runners to debut as BYU track goes to UW Invitational

PROVO, Utah—The BYU men’s distance runners will make their season debut as BYU track travels to Seattle to compete at the Washington Invitational Friday and Saturday.

“We are going to open up our distance guys for the first time this season,” head coach Ed Eyestone said. “Our guys have looked fit in workouts, and Seattle always has great competition. We know the importance of bringing our 'A' game. They have a great venue up there. We’re looking to post fast times and qualify some runners for nationals.”

The Cougars will have a strong group running the 3000 meters, led by All-Americans Jared Ward and Tylor Thatcher. They head a group of runners that together took fourth overall at the 2013 NCAA Cross Country Championships, including Jonathan Nelson, Steve Flint and Jason Witt, winner of the West Coast Conference cross country championship meet.

Braydon Bringhurst and Kyle Brown hope to continue their strong starts to the season in the pole vault, with each posting new personal bests within the last two meets. Zachary Stetler and Craig Merkley lead the Cougars in the shot put and weight throw, respectively.

The meet will begin on Friday at 1 p.m. PST with multi-events and field events. Friday’s running events start at 5 p.m. Saturday’s running schedule kicks-off at 9:15 a.m. PST with the men’s 3000 meters and continues throughout the day, finishing with the 4x400 meter relays at 5 p.m. Field events begin at 10 a.m.

Full meet information can be found at the Washington track and field website, where live results will also be made available.