Trouard runs third-fastest mile in nation; Gilchrist and Baxter set new personal records at U of W Invitational

RESULTS

SEATTLE - Andy Trouard ran a sub-four minute mile to post the third-fastest time in the nation this indoor season and Matt Baxter and Paige Gilchrist set new personal records in the same event as the Northern Arizona University track and field program sent a few athletes to compete at the University of Washington Invitational at Dempsey Indoor on Saturday afternoon.

"It was exciting to come out to Washington and go 3-for-3 with good races," assistant coach Jarred Cornfield said. "The plan was to get out well and commit to racing the middle. Andy, Matt and Paige executed wonderfully and were engaged in racing the bodies around them."

Trouard had the best showing of the NAU athletes as he broke sub-four in the men's mile event with a 3:58.01 performance, easily setting a new PR as he finished second overall in the event and as the top collegiate finisher. The mark is the second-fastest time ran in NAU history in the event.

Trouard's time could stand as one that qualifies him for the NCAA Indoor Championships. The top 16 declared athletes in each event make the national meet so the redshirt senior could have punched his ticket this afternoon with his performance.

Gilchrist was another standout on the day with a 4:32.71 showing in the women's mile, the third-fastest ever ran in program history. The redshirt senior finished fourth in the final heat and fourth overall in the event with her performance. As of writing, her mark also sat as one of the top 15 performances in the country this season.

Baxter also competed at the invite and finished 12th overall, running in the same final heat as Trouard. Baxter also set a new PR with his 4:02.20 showing, replacing a previous best of 4:12.46.

"It was fun to see all three rewarded with personal bests," Cornfield concluded. "Andy likely had a NCAA qualifying time and was the top collegiate performer in the event which puts him in a great position on the national stage. Overall I was very pleased with the day."

The Lumberjacks will be back in action when they host the Mountain T's Invitational at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Friday, Feb. 2 through Saturday, Feb. 3.

Fans can see a complete schedule of the Mountain T's at NAU here.