Track Competes at RMAC Championships

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Fort Lewis College track team went against another tough field at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships that were hosted by South Dakota Mines over the weekend in Rapid City.

Saylor Sargent posted a solid time of 2:22.34 in the 800-meter to place 10th in the heat. Rhylyn Jones then collected a time of 5:04.06 in the 1,500 heat to come in 15th. Jones also ran in the 5k finals and grabbed a top-15 finish when she crossed with a time of 18:36.38.

"Rhylyn ran tough in the 5k against an elite field. She also PR'd her 1,500 a day before," Head Coach Joshua Coon said. "She's been as consistent and strong all year as you could expect any freshman to be. She's got a bright future."

Jessica Ramirez and Karla DeLaCruz finished back-to-back in the 10k as Ramirez came in 14th with a time of 42:31.59 and DeLaCruz added a time of 43:53.13 to come in 15th.

"Karla and Jessica ran strong in the 10k and gained valuable experience to build on," Coon said. "They know what they have to do to prepare for cross country and I expect they will take it to the next level, they have the stuff to do it!"

Makiah Salzano and Rose Chemeli each competed in the 3k steeplechase with Salzano crossing first with a time of 12:20.51 to place 12th, while Chemeli added a 17th-place finish with a time of 13:20.58.

"Makiah ran a 44 second personal best and showed she can become a real steepled," Coon said. "We've known it was in there and it was fun to watch. The next few years will be fun with her trajectory"

Tyler Gibson made history when he became the first FLC men's track athlete to qualify for the RMAC Championships and he ran in the 800 posting a time of 1:57.98 to place 14th in the preliminary heat.

"Tyler ran a personal best in the 800 and represented our men's team well. He can go far in this, he isn't afraid to hurt. We are very proud of him as the first men's qualifier. His example is a great first foundation for our men's team future."

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Players Mentioned

Rose Chemeli: D; 5' 7"; Sophomore

Makiah Salzano: D; 5' 1"; Junior

Saylor Sargent: MD/D; 5' 5"; Sophomore

Tyler Gibson: Freshman

Rhylyn Jones: Freshman

Jessica Ramirez: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Rose Chemeli
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: D

Makiah Salzano
: 5' 1"; Junior
: D

Saylor Sargent
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: MD/D

Tyler Gibson
: Freshman

Rhylyn Jones
: Freshman

Jessica Ramirez
: Freshman