PUEBLO, CO- CCU got off to a hot start as they began the outdoor season at the Dr. Dan Caprioglio Early Bird Invite in Pueblo. Several NCAA provisional times were run as the Cougars started strong and set the pace for the rest of the year.

After taking second place and earning first team all-conference in the 200m in the indoor season, Tyler Bradley continued to blaze on the track with a second place time of 21.54. Jonah Beard closed with a 22.62 to take home eighth in the event. 

Alex Vance took part in the 1500m, taking down all his competitors to claim first with a time of 3:53.22. The time was good for an NCAA provisional qualifying time to start the season the right way. Chase Bracher came right behind in second place with a mark of 3:56.63. Klay Grant turned in an excellent performance, posting a 4:00.30 for fourth place.

The 5000m saw Mateo Luna take fourth place with a run of 15:32.73. Tate Fletcher came right behind in fifth place with a 15:36.40. Kale Edmonds took seventh as he ran a mark of 15:56.45. 

The 10k was dominated by the Cougars as they placed four runners at the top of the leader board. All American, Matthew Storer, wasted no time after he placed fifth at Indoor Nationals in the 5k, taking first place in the 10k with a time of 29:51.56. Josh Pierantoni followed in second with a mark of 29:52.02. Right behind in third place, Isaac Russo ran a 30:47.76. Trent Cochran rounded out the top four with a mark of 31:15.10. In an incredible display, all four times were good for NCAA provisional qualifying times. 

"I can't remember a season opener that produced so many National level results and personal bests. Our entire roster seemed to be running on all cylinders today, our freshman had some breakout performances and our upperclassmen continued to impress. I am excited to see what the rest of the season holds," Head Coach Jon Poag said. 

The Cougars will look to continue their momentum March 31- April 1 at the CSU Pueblo Invite.