Goetz Grabs National Qualifier with run at Niswonger
January 29, 2007Johnson City, TN - Bryan College Track & Field got off on the right foot this weekend when it competed in its opening meet of the season, as well as the first in over thirty years. Competing in the Niswonger Invitational held at ETSU, freshman Daniel Goetz (Chattanooga, TN) set a school record and hit the automatic qualifier for the NAIA National Championships. Goetz finished fourth in the 3k Invitational Race held on Saturday evening, finishing in a time of 8:31.83. The race was won by Virginia Intermont's Daniel Kanyaruhuru (8:21.24).
Freshmen Josh Bradley (Ringgold, GA) and Zach Buffington (Ooltewah, TN) finished 11th and 33rd in the unseeded section of the 800 meter run with times of 1:59.43 and 2:03.79 respectively.
"It was a great start to what we hope will be an incredible indoor season for our athletes. Goetz has reached a new level with his running and our goals have changed dramatically after this solid performance. Bradley was getting a taste of indoor running for the first time and hasn't raced since November. Put those together and I'm pleased with how he competed when he wasn't in great position much of the race. Buffington missed some time over the break, but he still got a lifetime best and he'll get back to his cross country form soon," said head coach Rodney Stoker.
Next up for the Lions is the Tiger Indoor Invitational held at Sewanee University on Saturday, February 3rd.