SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Led by a program record from Mac Franks, four Western Washington University student-athletes placed in the top nine out of 32 runners in the steeplechase on Thursday at the Mike Fanelli Track Classic at Cox Stadium.
 
Franks set WWU's mark placing 2nd in 8:52.50 and was the top collegiate finisher. He bettered the previous mark of 8:55.30 set by teammate Jeret Gillingham at last year's GNAC Championships. Franks' time is currently No. 3 in NCAA Division II as a provisional qualifying mark. During the indoor and outdoor season in 2022, Franks has now set five program records (Indoor: 800m, Mile, 3000m, DMR).
 
Gillingham was right behind Franks finishing 3rd in 8:59.80 for another provisional qualifying mark that is currently No. 5 in the nation. Drew Weber placed 7th winning his heat in 9:12.25 for the 10th-best time in program history and the No. 12 time in the nation this season. Kaleb Korta was 9th in 9:16.40 just missing a provisional qualifying mark.
 
Franks and Weber will be in action Friday at the Fanelli Classic in the 1500m, with Gillingham, Kevin McDermott and Calahan Warren racing in the 5000m.
 
The remainder of the squad will be in action Saturday at the WWU Invitational with the Vikings competing head-to-head against Trinity Western, Central Washington and the University of British Columbia. The meet will be held at Civic Stadium in Bellingham with field events starting at 11:30 am and running events at 12 pm.