Gonzaga University
3000m Steeplechase
Manley and Gardner End Seasons at NCAA West Prelims
5/24/2019 10:09:00 PM | Track and Field
Seniors finish off collegiate careers in steeplechase
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gonzaga's Kellen Manley and Andrew Gardner completed their collegiate careers in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA West Preliminary Round Friday.
Manley placed 10th in his heat, and 25th overall, with a time of 8:57.84, while Gardner was 16th in his heat and 47th overall at 9:32.23.
"Andrew fought hard," Director of GU Track and Field Pat Tyson said. "He has battled a foot injury the last month and blocked the pain for 2,200 meters, before it became unbearable and he jogged in. It was a pretty emotional night for the All-American! He is a tough one and he gave it his best! He has no regrets and is a great role model for our program. He gives so much positive energy to this team!
"Kellen's heat was the fastest. He wrapped up an incredible career at his third NCAA West Preliminary Round!"
Manley returned to the NCAA West Preliminary Round for the third time, this time seeded 38th. The senior ran a personal record of 8:57.03 also at the Cardinal Classic. That time ranks third in Gonzaga history.
"I went out with the fast pace and gave it my all," Manley said. "It did not play out the way I wanted, but I can be proud I went for it. I am excited for Brandon Pollard and Yacine Guermali tomorrow and the future of the Gonzaga program."
In 2016 as a sophomore, Manley placed 12th in his heat, and 31st overall, with a time of 9:13.70 at the West Preliminaries in Lawrence, Kan. Last season in Sacramento, Manley ran the then-second-fastest 3,000-meter steeplechase time all-time at GU. He crossed the line at 8:49.35. Manley placed 20th overall and eighth in his heat.
Gardner entered the quarterfinals seeded 12th. He ran the second-fastest time on the GU all-time list, 8:46.16, at the Cardinal Classic on April 20.
Gonzaga completes the preliminary round with a pair of runners Saturday. Brandon Pollard runs in the second heat of the 1,500-meter quarterfinals at 6:50 p.m. Yacine Guermali follows in the second heat of the 5,000 meters at 9 p.m. Live video and results will be available on GoZags.com.
