Bulldogs Turn In Solid Middle Distance Performance At Purdue Invitational

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. -- Seniors Kris Gauson and Tom Boardman posted runner-up finishes to highlight a strong middle distance showing by the Butler track and field squad at the Sixth Annual Mike Poehlein Invitational, which wrapped up at Purdue University on Saturday (April 3).

Gauson placed second in the men’s 800 meter run in 1:53.78.  He trailed individual champ Johnathan Shawel of Notre Dame by just 0:00.67!  Boardman came in second in the men’s 1500 meter run in a personal best 3:54.78.  The men’s 1500 was won by Simon Rogers of Purdue in 3:52.49.

The Bulldogs also had strong debut performances by a pair of freshmen in the 3,000 meter steeplechase.  Kevin Oblinger placed third in the men’s steeplechase in 9:49.23, while Shelbi Burnett came in fourth in her first women’s steeplechase in 11:07.84.

Freshman Kaitlyn Love finished fourth in the women’s 1500 meter run in 4:45.05, while teammate Rosie Edwards came in sixth in 4:46.43.  Senior Sara Bird was 10th in the same race in 4:48.14.

Butler seniors Justin Roeder and Stephen Lisgo both posted an eighth place finish in the invitational meet.  Roeder ran the 1500 in 3:57.90, while Lisgo covered the 800 in 1:55.83.