Kevin Jorgensen, center, now holds the second-best 800 time in the NAIA behind teammate Eric Avila.
CHICO, Calif. – Kevin Jorgensen became the latest Southern Oregon University runner to enter the NAIA Outdoor Championship mix when he won the 800-meter invitational run Friday night at the Chico State Distance Carnival/Twilight.
Jorgensen's time of 1:52.14 in the 15-person race was .83 seconds faster than runner-up AJ Pulice and three-plus seconds faster than the rest of the field. It was also a personal best and gave the Raiders their 11th NAIA 'A' standard qualifying mark of the season. Jorgensen now owns the second-fastest 800 time in the nation this season behind only teammate Eric Avila.
Stephanie Techler registered a personal-best, too, while tying for second of 16 in the pole vault. Her mark of 11 feet, 11 ¾ inches was another NAIA 'A' qualifying mark, though she had already qualified with an 11-9.75 earlier this season.
Aaron Brenton came through with a solid showing in the men's 5,000-meter invitational run, finishing in 15:22.75 to place fifth of 31. In the same race, Connor Cushman was 11th in 15:32.78. Alexandra Rudd took fifth in the women's 5K with a time of 18:51.79.
SOU freshman Lauren McGowne competed Friday at Western Oregon's John Knight Twilight and had the best day of her young career. She was second of 18 in the long jump with a mark of 17-4.25, then claimed third of 11 in the 100-meter hurdles with a personal-best time of 15.86.
The Raiders will continue to compete at Chico State on Saturday. Field events are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and races at 4 p.m. Due to late races, complete results may not be available until Sunday morning.
Chico State Distance Carnival/Twilight
MEN
800m (15 entries)
1. Kevin Jorgensen, 1:52.14^
11. Matt Williams, 1:59.08
14. Matt Battaglia, 2:02.59
5000m (31)
5. Aaron Brenton, 15:22.75*
11. Connor Cushman, 15:32.78*
18. Will Parke-Hoffman, 15:57.27
20. Greg Garcia, 16:03.45
High Jump (18)
8. Anthony Neal, 5-10.75 (1.80m)*
WOMEN
800m (10)
5. Aspen Abbott, 2:17.24*
9. Tanya Jones, 2:23.43
5000m (13)
5. Alexandra Rudd, 18:51.79*
Pole Vault (16)
T-2. Stephanie Techler, 11-11.75 (3.65m)^
11. Alex Morris, 10-6.00 (3.20m)*
Western Oregon John Knight Twilight
WOMEN
100m Hurdle (11)
3. Lauren McGowne, 15.86*
Long Jump (18)
2. Lauren McGowne, 17-4.25 (5.29m)*
^ NAIA 'A' standard qualifying mark
* Cascade Conference Championships qualifying mark