SEATTLE, SPOKANE, Wash. — The George Fox track and field team sent one athlete up to compete at the Whitworth Invitational, taking on over 30 competitors to gain invaluable experience early in the season, while several other Bruins traveled to

Top Performers 
Junior thrower Austin Imsland took to the ring for Fox as the lone Bruin at the Whitworth meet, recording a best mark of 13.05m in the men's shot put. Competing against a deep field of throwers from NCAA Division I, II, III, and junior college programs, Imsland secured 17th place overall. 

Leading the way for the Bruins in Seattle was Ellie Rising, who delivered a historic performance in the women's 800m. Rising placed 17th overall in a stacked field, clocking 2:09, which not only set a new program record, but currently ranks third in the nation at the NCAA Division III level. Her performance highlighted an impressive weekend for George Fox, proving the Bruins can compete with some of the best in the country.  

In the women's long jump, five Bruins battled through a deep field. Victoria Azar led the group, placing 12th with a best mark of 5.22m. Emily Crawford finished 17th, jumping 4.93m, while Breeauna O'Rear (19th, 4.85m), Kyesha Farmer (20th, 4.77m), and Jenna Huntsman (21st, 4.70m) rounded out the Bruins' efforts in a highly competitive event.  

On the men's side, Blake Smith secured a 10th-place finish in the long jump, leaping 6.87m, narrowly edging out teammate Drew Pierson, who finished 11th with a jump of 6.84m. Caleb Smith rounded out the competitors for Fox with a 14th place finish, jumping 6.58m.

In the men's mile, Aidan Arthur faced one of the deepest fields of the weekend, placing 102nd with a time of 4:21.73, gaining valuable experience against elite competition.  

Up Next
The Bruins will be back in action on Friday, February 21st, where Fox will host their second indoor track meet of the season.