Mustangs run out of the starting gate in 2021 track & field season opener

Two Mustangs set school records and another two won races as The Master's University men's and women's track & field teams began their 2021 season on Saturday at the Sunshine Indoor Open on the campus of Westmont College.
 
"I'm so impressed with my team, top-to-bottom," Master's head coach Zach Schroeder said. "COVID has shut down all of our training facilities, requiring incredible adaptability and patience from our athletes. Their overcoming spirit was really put on display today. It's a joy to coach a group of athletes that strives to train and compete as an act of worship to the Lord."
 
In her very first jump as a Mustang, Bethany Pouliot broke the previous TMU women's triple jump record, leaping 9.96m. She then increased her mark to 10.15m to place fourth in the event.
 
"Her joyful spirit and competitive attitude led to great marks in the long jump, triple jump and 60 meters," Schroeder said of Pouliot.
 
The other Mustang to break a school record was Seanna Nalbandyan, who recorded the best 60 meter hurdles time (9.42 seconds) in program history to place seventh.
 
Wesley Methum almost broke the TMU record in the men's 3,000 meter run, placing first in a personal-best time of 8:35.13, as teammate Daniel Rush (8:35.67) finished right behind in second place.
 
"He ran a tactical race with a fast close and posted a time just off the school record," Schroeder said of Methum. "Daniel also had a standout performance in the 3k. He stuck with the leaders throughout the race and made a big move to take the lead with 300m to go. Wes responded and passed Daniel in the final 100m for the win."
 
Kevin Pacheco won the men's 800 meter run in a time of 1:59.29, while Cameron Fooks placed second in the men's 400 meter dash, crossing the line in 52.03 seconds.
 
A total of 17 Mustangs set personal records, including Arianna Ghiorso, who placed third in the women's 3000 meter run (10:14.77). Ellen Palmgren won the second heat in that same event, finishing in a time of 11:01.20.
 
"Ellen ran a great tactical race, winning her collegiate debut on the track," Schroeder said. "She led the entire race and pulled away from her competition with a fast final 400 meters."
 
Schroeder also praised Chatham Van Wingerden, who placed second in the men's triple jump with a mark of 11.16m.
 
"Chatham was extremely adaptable in the triple jump," Schroeder said. "Although he had to move his mark seven feet to account for strong winds, he still was able to hit the board."
 
The Master's track & field teams are scheduled to compete next at the ACU Invitational in Chandler, Arizona on Feb. 26 and 27. The meet is set to take place at Valley Christian High School.