Beavers Shatter Five School Records at Snow Bird Invite

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — The Blackburn College track and field teams produced multiple standout performances Saturday at the Illinois College Snow Bird Invite, highlighted by five new school records as the Beavers continued their indoor season.

Freshman Sophia Palmier led the women's field efforts with a sixth-place finish in the high jump, clearing 1.35 meters. Palmier also set a new program record in the long jump, posting a mark of 4.39 meters, the first recorded indoor standard in the event for Blackburn.

On the men's side, freshman Leland Branstner continued to rewrite the record book in the shot put. Branstner placed eighth out of 21 competitors with a throw of 12.65 meters, breaking his own school record of 12.23 meters set earlier this season and finishing as the top SLIAC athlete in the event.

In the sprints, Blackburn saw multiple program records fall. Tristan Toss set a new school record in the men's 60 meters, clocking 7.37, improving the previous mark of 8.13. On the women's side, Maya Bennett lowered her own school record in the 60 meters to 8.63, improving on her previous time of 8.77.

Sophomore Byron McNeil added another record-breaking performance, running 25.39 in the 200 meters to break the previous school record of 26.10.

Blackburn athletes also recorded additional competitive marks across the meet as the team continues to build momentum heading into the heart of the indoor season.

Blackburn women's and men's track  will return to competition next week at the Principia Relays.