Shepherd wins steeplechase as Toppers compete at Rhodes Invitational
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ella Shepherd of Blue Mountain Christian University won the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase and the Toppers recorded multiple top-10 finishes this weekend at the Rhodes Invitational in Memphis.
Shepherd crossed the line in first place in the steeplechase in 12:18.57, according to Blue Mountain athletics. Kaedyn Wilson finished eighth in the women’s 5,000 in 19:28.10, and the women’s 4×800 relay of Ruth Hutchinson, Jorja Kate Mooneyhan, Wilson and Shepherd placed fourth in 10:19.72.
On the men’s side, Jonah Barnhardt led Blue Mountain in the 5,000 with a seventh-place time of 15:32.44. Braxton Enzor finished fourth in the men’s 3,000 steeplechase in 12:03.67. The men’s 4×800 relay of Lukas Dykes, Samuel Hopper, Jakarien Perry and Barnhardt finished fifth in 8:36.51.
Other Topper performances included Dykes’ ninth-place 800 in 2:04.84 and a 4:40.50 mile, Jared Mooneyhan’s fifth-place pole vault clearance of 3.20 meters (10-6), and Abby Laney’s 27.61-meter discus throw. The Rhodes Invitational drew teams from NAIA and NCAA Division II and III programs.
Blue Mountain will look to build on the performances as it continues the outdoor season. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
