COLUMBIA, SC. --- Asbury track and field enjoyed a solid opening day of competition at the NCCAA National Championship in Columbia, SC., led by freshman Mary Hostetter breaking multiple school records. 

Hostetter broke her own school records in both the 100- and 200-meter dash events. In the 100 she ran 12.92 to smash the 13.20 she ran a few weeks ago. She finished 13^th out of the 19 competitors. In the 200 she recorded a time of 26.39 to place 16^th out of 28 runners in the race.

"Mary had a great finish to a stellar freshman campaign in her two primary events" said AU head coach O'Brian Bridges. "She is also racing in the 400 tomorrow, so she could add to her record haul."

The men's 4x800 relay team capped off the first day of competition with a record as well. Sam Webb led off the race with a season-best time of 2:01.1 for his two laps. Luke Holton followed with a 2:02.4, also a season-best. Davis Brown received the baton for the third leg in 7^th place and flew through a first lap of 53.5 second to move the Eagles into fifth, and then hung on for a relay split of 1:57.7. Luke Wheatley anchored the quartet with a time of 1:58.6, bringing the baton across the line in exactly eight minutes (8:00.00).

"Fifth place in a National Championship competition was a very good finish for us" said Asbury distance coach Randy Crist, "We took over 18 seconds off of the school record they set earlier this season. They wish they had trimmed off another fraction of a second to break the eight minute mark, but that can be a good goal for next season."

The National Championship meet continues tomorrow with a full day of competition, including five events for which Eagle runners have qualified to participate. More information about the NCCAA National Championship can be viewed through this link.

* Mary Hostetter | Broke her own school records in 100 (12.92) and 200 (26.39)
* Sam Webb, Davis Brown, Luke Holton, Luke Wheatley | Set an Asbury record in the 4x800 relay

Asbury will compete in their second and final day of the NCCAA Nationals on Friday.

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