Complete Results

MEADVILLE, Pa. – Serving as a last-chance qualifier to the national track and field championships, 47 teams and a large number of unattached and professional athletes made the trek to Allegheny College on Friday to compete in the fifth annual Gator Invitational. Despite a sweeping change in the weather and a one-hour delay because of lightning strikes, the day yielded 46 NCAA Division II/III provisional qualifying marks, nine automatic qualifying performances, and nine new stadium records.

Junior Lauren Butler benefitted the most from the Gators' contingent with a first-place finish in the javelin. Beyond the placing, which was irrelevant at the non-scoring meet, Butler's second of six throws established a new season-best of 140'3” while improving her NCAA seeding. Now a virtual lock to make a third consecutive appearance at the NCAA Division III Championships, Butler's mark is the sixth-best in the nation this season.

On the men's side, the biggest gain was made by senior Jeramie Parker. Continuing his outstanding comeback from an early-season stress fracture, Parker finished second overall in the 1,500m with an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 3:51.96. Currently ranked 16th in the country in the event, the fourth-year star who earned All-American honors in cross country this past fall, will have one more chance to solidify his spot in the national field.

Senior Beth Muller, who has enjoyed a spectacular campaign that has included a school record in the 100m and 200m as well as NCAC Spinter/Hurdler of the Year accolades, was unable to net a coveted national-qualifying mark after finishing 10th in the 100m (13.02), but another tremendous opportunity waits at North Central next week.

The Gators' other entries failed to yield any more NCAA cuts, although solid performances and personal records resulted in a strong season-ending meet for many athletes donning the Blue and Gold. Among the strong marks was a new personal record for Mike Vlah in the 800m (1:53.86). Andrew Mahone orchestrated a season-best in the 800m (1:54.76) while both competitors finished inside the top 10. Senior Emily Norton authored a season-best performance in the 100 hurdles (17.02) while personal records were established by rookie Taylor Endress (113'5”) and junior John Conant in the javelin and steeplechase, respectively.

One of the meet's biggest highlights was the return of Allegheny alum and U.S. Olympian Jeremy Scott. Ranking seventh on the IAAF World Performance List, Scott won the pole vault after clearing 18'.5”.