Time to get out of their way.

The record-setting inaugural season for the Grand Canyon University Club Track and Field team continued in dominant fashion at the Carvel Jackson Memorial Showcase. The Lopes registered an incredible 25 personal records and 17 performances that rank in the NIRCA Top 10 during the event at Mesa Community College Saturday.

GCU's Ford Elizondo led the charge for the men, running a massive PR by clocking a NIRCA-leading time of 1:54.74 in the 800m. Josh Nicholson added to the men's distance success, posting a 4:00.60 in the 1500m to secure a NIRCA Top 10 spot.
"Ford came to us in January with very big goals and has proven that - through his hard work and talent - he will reach them soon," said Lopes' Head Coach Todd Lehman. "He thinks big, and I appreciate his confidence and drive. Meanwhile, Josh gave another gutsy performance in the 1500m and showed that he is ready to compete at any time."

On the women's side, GCU sophomore Siena Burns continued her dominant streak, delivering another fast 800m before capping her day with a PR in the 1500m. Lopes' freshman Mallory McCray matched that energy with a massive 13-second PR in the 800m, followed by her own 1500m PR.

"It has been such a joy to watch Siena compete, since every time she toes the line, we know something special is about to happen," Lehman said. "Mallory has shown a great progression of improvement this season and we are so excited to see that continue."

In the sprints and hurdles, Lopes' freshman Evan Van Pelt showcased his versatility and endurance during a remarkably busy day, securing three PRs across the 100m, 110m hurdles, and 400m hurdles. His 400m hurdles time further extended his national lead in the NIRCA rankings. For the women, Oregon native Ramsey Starr dropped her 200m PR to establish a top-5 NIRCA time.

"Evan is proving to be an outstanding intermediate hurdler and I can't wait to see him continue to cut his times down," Lehman said. "I'm encouraged by Ramsey's continued success as she is just now getting back to full strength after an early season injury."

In the sand, Jaden Smith had a fantastic day in the Men's Triple Jump, notching a NIRCA-leading jump of 13.85/45' 5 1/4". Addison Seabaugh also came up with an impressive showing on the women's side, throwing a PR in the Javelin of 36.98/121' 3 3/4", which also took over the lead in NIRCA.

The team's rise has put it among the top 3 on both sides of the latest Collegiate Running Club Coaches Poll, with the GCU Men tied for 2nd and the Lopes' Women ranked 3rd nationally.

After a scheduled week off, the Lopes will head into the final competitive weekend of the season by splitting the squad for the weekend of April 11 and 12. Half the team will travel to Olivet, Michigan, to compete at the NIRCA Track and Field Championships, while the remainder of the squad will head across town to Glendale Community College for the GCC Outdoor Track & Field Invitational.