March 29, 2008
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF men's distance runners Matt Clements (Oviedo, Fla.) and Dustin Hicks (Oviedo, Fla.) each recorded personal-best times in their respective events on Friday to highlight a strong performance by the Knights at the FSU Relays at the Mike Long Track.
"This was a great showing at the FSU Relays for our men's distance runners," UCF head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert said. "It is always great to see PRs and competitive efforts from our athletes. Our men are looking forward to competing at the Florida Relays and the Miami Invitational in the next few weeks."
Sophomore Daniel Conn (Ocala, Fla.) was the team's top finisher in the 5,000-meter run in a time of 15:17.13. That race was a talent-filled event as the top seven finishers earned either NCAA automatic or provisional qualifying times. The event's winner, Mark Carroll, an unattached runner, finished in an impressive sub-14 minute time of 13:53.72.
Senior Paul Nielsen (Oviedo, Fla.) was 15th in a time of 15:20.08, while sophomore Richard Bonilla (Weston, Fla.) finished in 15:45.28. Clements notched a personal-best time of 15:51.42.
Hicks was fourth in the 10,000-meter run, and the third collegian in the event, finishing in a personal-record time of 31:42.00.
"These were some great races by our runners today," said assistant coach Mason Cathey, who works directly with the team's distance runners. "They ran fast times and we had some good PRs today. The weather was good and it was a perfect day for track and field."
UCF's men's distance runners, as well as the women's team, return to action April 4-5, when they travel to Gainesville, Fla., to compete in the Pepsi Florida Relays.
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UCF Results - FSU Relays (Friday, March 28, 2008 - Tallahassee, Fla.)
5,000-Meter Run
14. Daniel Conn - 15:17.13
15. Paul Nielson - 15:20.08
18. Richie Bonilla - 15:45.28
19. Matt Clements - 15:51.42
10,000-Meter Run
4. Dustin Hicks - 31:42.00