The Drake University men's and women's track and field teams opened up their outdoor season in rainy conditions Friday afternoon for the first day of the annual Jim Duncan Invitational at Drake Stadium.
 
Despite the inclement weather, the Bulldogs still posted strong performances across the board during Friday's brief schedule.
 
Olivia Rogers won the women's 5,000 meters for the Bulldogs in 17:29.88 to notch a personal best by nearly two minutes with a late, strong kick. She was joined by three other Bulldogs in the top-five to help Drake score eight points in the event.
 
Kyle Cass tried to employ a similar kick in the men's race, but came up just short with a second-place finish in 15:35.60 as the first of five Bulldogs in the top eight of the event.
 
The field events were also featured Friday evening as Drake's Lexie Chapman unfurled the longest recorded women's mark in the hammer throw in program history. Her throw of 169-10 (51.77m) earned her second place in the event.
 
Joey Harkins also made history in the men's hammer throw with the fourth-best toss in school history at 162-11 (49.66m). His throw came on his final attempt to earn him a fourth-place finish.
 
Max Harlan was also second in the javelin for the Bulldogs Friday afternoon with a toss of 162-4 (49.47m).
 
Action at the Jim Duncan Invitational resumes Saturday at 11 a.m. at Drake Stadium.
 
2019 Jim Duncan Invitational
Drake Stadium – March 29-30
 
Drake Individual Men's Results
5,000 Meters
2. Kyle Cass, 15:35.60
3. Joe Romain, 15:38.47
4. Cole Friedman, 15:53.31
6. Sam King, 16:17.61
8. Alex Rohlfs, 16:33.63
 
Long Jump
3. Cloud Masibhera, 20-7 (6.27m)
 
Javelin
2. Max Harlan, 162-4 (49.47m)
5. Will Tsai, 145-0 (44.43m)
7. Jacob Lewis, 134-4 (40.95m)
 
Hammer Throw
4. Joey Harkins, 162-11 (49.66m)
 
 
Drake Individual Women's Results
5,000 Meters
1. Olivia Rogers, 17:29.88
3. Rachel Selva, 18:11.40
4. Elizabeth Aho, 18:21.49
5. MyKaela Cole, 18:37.17
 
Hammer Throw
2. Lexie Chapman, 169-10 (51.77m)
5. Katelyn Williams, 157-3 (47.92m)