Bradley University Athletics

Gagne and Ward with Record Day at Washington

Missouri Valley Conference

Results

Men's Track and Field 1/27/2018 7:55:00 PM

Seattle, Wash. – Senior Daniel Gagne and junior Michael Ward turned in historic performances for the Bradley track and field team on Saturday as each set school records at the Washington Invitational.

Gagne nearly ran the first sub-four minute mile in school history, posting a time of 4:00.39. His mark broke the school record by more than two seconds, previously set by Ward in 2016 at 4:02.86, and ranks among the best times in the nation this year.

The senior, who placed seventh of 69 runners in a meet that included collegiate and professional runners, is four seconds quicker than any other runner in the Missouri Valley Conference this season, while only two student-athletes in the country had a quicker time prior to this weekend in 2018.

"I'm very happy with the way Dan competed," said Bradley head coach Darren Gauson. "He was injured in the fall and has worked his way back into the fitness that got him to outdoor nationals last year. So close to breaking four was good to see."

Ward followed Gagne's lead and after losing his school record in the mile, the junior set the new Bradley standard in the 3,000m run. Ward became the first Brave to break the eight-minute mark, finishing with a time of 7:58.64 to place seventh of 68 runners.

Ward's time is more than six seconds better than the previous Bradley record – set last year by Haran Dunderdale (8:04.87) – and seven seconds better than his previous PR. Additionally, Ward is 16 seconds quicker than the next fastest runner in the MVC with again, only two runners posting a faster time in the NCAA this year prior the weekend.

"Michael did an excellent job of staying patient in a strong field," Gauson said. "He was perfect through the first mile and continued to move up. Sub eight is a barrier and now he is among the nation's elite."

The Braves return to action next weekend at Notre Dame's Meyo Invitational. The two-day meet is slated to being on Friday.

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