It was one last tune up for both the men’s and women’s track and field teams this past weekend, as they competed in the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville. Despite a limited number of events that the Gorillas participated in, Pitt State still came out with some impressive performances, including a pair of record-breaking athletes.
“I think we felt good last weekend. We didn’t do much, but I felt like what we did we got what we wanted accomplished and was able to set the tone for what we need to do this weekend,” head coach Kyle Rutledge said.
Headlining the Gorillas, junior Paige Mullen broke her own school record in the women’s 3,000 meters. Mullen won the distance discipline in a fast time of nine minutes, 27.56 seconds, shaving nearly three seconds off her former Pitt State record time (9:30.22) from 2025. Sophomore Hannah Gibson also climbed to No. 2 on the Gorillas top 10 performers list in the 3,000m with a time of 9:45.13.
“It was a good tune-up; we saw some good things. Again, Paige Mullen did really well in breaking the school record,” Coach Rutledge said.
Other notable women’s performances included senior sprinter Kinleigh Hall, posting a season best time of 24.39 seconds in the 200 meters, and sophomore Cannon Booker recording a personal best clearance of 13 feet, 7.25 inches in the pole vault. Redshirt sophomore Kelsey Bruening (2:16.29) and sophomore Phoebe Fletcher (2:17.79) recorded PR times in the 800 meters.
In the men’s action, junior Tyrone Jackson posted the third-fastest time in school history in the 60-meter hurdles. He clocked in 7.79 seconds. A trio of Gorillas also posted fast times in the 400 meters – junior Nate Watson (46.94), junior Caden Williams (46.96) and junior Logan Davis (46.97). Williams and Davis both secured PR times. Additionally, senior Jack Haukap won the weight throw with a season-best toss of 65-4.
“We kind of use conferences as practice, almost. Not practicing like a regular week, but for finals. You get into a competition mentality, preliminary finals mentality, so you just get ready to compete more than on an average meet. Conference is always a fun time, that’s the first thing, but it’s like a learning experience, especially for the new people, to get ready for the nationals meet,” Watson explained.
Pitt State will quickly pivot their attention as they host the MIAA championships this weekend. The Gorillas will look to make their mark as they try to qualify for the NCAA Regionals yet again.
“Right now, we are just trying to make the calm before the storm, make sure everybody feels good, make sure we are doing what we need to do. It’s going to be intense, like any conference meet. It’s exciting, it’s energetic, it’s a team atmosphere,” Coach Rutledge said.