Beavers Open Indoor Season With Record-Breaking Performances at Titan Opener

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Blackburn College track and field programs opened the 2025-2026 indoor season at the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Opener, finishing with 10 new school records and several notable early-season performances.

On the men's side, freshman Tristan Toss delivered one of the team's top performances of the day. Toss placed third overall in the long jump and finished as the top SLIAC competitor in the event. He also contributed in the triple jump and on the 4x400-meter relay. His long jump mark of 6.29 meters broke the previous school record.

Junior Sam Burrows produced another standout result, lowering the school record in the 3,000 meters to 10:00.02, improving the previous mark by more than a minute, with Collyn Oberkfell also competing in the event close behind him. Senior Byron McNeil added a school record of his own, extending Blackburn's indoor triple jump record to 13.37 meters with a third place finish, and competing in the long jump and 4x400 relay.

Freshman thrower Leland Branstner opened his collegiate career by setting a new shot put school record at 12.23 meters. The men's 4x400 team of Toss, Izaiah Watkins, McNeil and freshman Kendrik Troutt closed the meet with a record time of 3:44.69.

The Beavers also recognized senior Kobe Patton, who competed in the long jump in the final meet of his Blackburn career as he graduates this winter.

• Men's 3,000m: Burrows, 10:00.02

• Men's Long Jump: Toss, 6.29m

• Men's Triple Jump: McNeil, 13.37m

• Men's Shot Put: Branstner, 12.23m

• Men's 4x400 Relay: Toss, Watkins, McNeil, Troutt - 3:44.69

   

   

  Blackburn will return to competition in January as the indoor season continues at the Illinois College Snow Bird.