LOS ANGELES — The distance runners represented the University of La Verne track and Field teams this weekend at the Oxy Distance Carnival and did not disappoint.

With the sprinters, jumpers, and throwers taking the weekend off, the focus was on the endurance events –  800m, 1500m, and 5000m. The Leopards entered 27 events and finished with 22 personal bests.

Marissa Hehir and AJ Reyes led the way for La Verne. Hehir, a freshman, continued to impress in her first collegiate season, covering 5000m of Los Angeles real estate in 17:49.29 for a new personal best and the No. 5 time on the La Verne All-Time list.

Not to be outdone, Reyes followed with a big PR of his own, running 14:43.76, putting him in the No. 4 spot in Leopard history. Santiago Herrera and Fernando Cortez joined the party, with Herrera running 15:04.64 and Cortez running 15:25.99 in his first track 5K, to put themselves at No. 5 and No. 9 on that Leopard All-Time list.

From the Coach

"All in all, it was a good night. While it is still early in our outdoor season, the night's performances shine a bright light on what is in store for us throughout the rest of March and heading into April and May. There is still a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction," said University of La Verne track and field head coach Kevin Reid.

Next Race

The entire Leopard squad will return to competition at the Mangrum Invitational at Cal State San Marcos on Friday, March 22.