KEVIN JENISON

GoSycamores.com

WALNUT, Calif.  – Indiana State senior Craig Padgett broke a five-year-old Indiana State record in the 10,000 meters late Thursday night and junior Albaro Escalera ran the third fastest 10,000 meters in school history at Hilmer Lodge Stadium during the 54th Annual Mt. SAC Relays.

Padgett finished 12th overall with a time of 29:38.70 to break the old school record of 29:51.66 set by Justin Kunz in 2007. Escalera was 16th in 29:55.38 which is the third best time in school history.

“The plan was to have both guys just relax in the big field and hit checkpoints throughout the race,” Geoff Wayton, Indiana State assistant track & field coach, said. “This way they could just focus on the feel and not react to lap splits.”

The approach worked really well as both Sycamores were dead-on through the 5K mark.

“Al got a little separated and got caught in no-mans-land for a few laps after the half-way point,” Wayton said. “Craig ran like a true senior and was with a group the whole race. Both men raced really well in the last 800 meters. I couldn't be more proud of these young men.”

Laban Sialo of Central Missouri was the race winner with a time of 28:57.15 with Gabe Proctor of Western State second (29:05.45) and Edward Taragon of Wayland Baptist third (29:08.45).

“Craig broke a school-record which was held by arguably our best true distance man in Justin Kunz,” Wayton said. “Both of these men have worked so hard for their team and Coach (John) McNichols. It was sure neat to watch them take full advantage of this great opportunity to run fast.”

The finish time for both runners should qualify them for the NCAA East Preliminary which will be held in Jacksonville, Fla., May 26-28.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Sycamore team will be in action Saturday and Sunday at the Polytan Invitational hosted by Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.