SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Three members of the IUPUI men's track and field team registered new personal best efforts in the 5,000m event, doing so from the slower of the two heats at Notre Dame's Meyo Invitational on Friday night (Feb. 4). Eric Petersen led the way, finishing second in the slower heat in a personal best time of 14:40.55, following by Nate Kaiser's third-place time of 14:46.20. 

Ultimately, Petersen finished 12th of 39 entrants and Kaiser was 13th. 

"We knew it was going to be tactical so we worked together as teammates, being patient, and when the move was made, we went full throttle, just like we practice every Tuesday and Friday," Petersen said.

Grant Moon, IUPUI's third entrant, clocked a time of 14:53.37 in the same race, placing ninth in the heat and 19th overall. 

"It was a great opening night for our 5,000m crew. Eric, Nate and Grant all ran personal bests despite a slow early pace," head coach Justin Roeder said. "It was awesome to see Grant dip under that 15 minute barrier for the first time after shaving 24 seconds off his previous best.

"Tactically, our squad ran tremendous and everyone managed to close well. There are lots of positives tonight from this group, but also plenty to learn from going into the conference meet in three weeks."

Petersen's time was 27 seconds faster than his previous best and put him No. 7 on the program's all-time list in the event. Kaiser trimmed 25 seconds off his previous best and Moon shed 24 ticks off his previous best. 

"Our 5,000m trio set the tone for the meet, so we are looking forward to tomorrow's 3,000m, showcasing senior Eric Hoffman," Roeder said. 

The Jaguars will continue their efforts at the Meyo Invite on Saturday (Feb. 5) when Eric Hoffman competes in the 3,000m event.