GUNNISON, Colo.— The Grizzlies demonstrated strong performances at the Western Colorado Open, showcasing their skill and determination as they prepare for the championship season ahead.
 
The Men's Distance Medley Relay (DMR) saw Andrew O'Keefe, Ja'Warren Smith, David Cardenas, and James Dunne clinch victory with a blazing time of 10:02.39.
 
In the Men's 1-mile race, Kidus Begashaw showcased his dominance, clinching first place with a swift time of 4:18.70, displaying exceptional speed and endurance as he surged ahead of the competition. Nathan Scherbarth secured third place with a strong finish at 4:23.87, while Zak Beckwith demonstrated his resilience, finishing sixth with a time of 4:28.18.
 
In the Men's 400 meters, Neveh Jones powered to victory with an impressive first-place finish, clocking in at 50.80 seconds. Elijah Hatcher closely trailed behind, securing second place with a swift time of 50.84 seconds. Meanwhile, Caleb Bafukila claimed fourth place with a solid performance, crossing the finish line in 52.86 seconds, while Brandon Guzman secured eighth place with a time of 55.79 seconds.
 
In the Men's 800 meters, David Cardenas showcased his speed and endurance, clinching first place with a swift time of 1:56.48 seconds, demonstrating his prowess on the track. Jake Beckwith put up a strong fight, finishing closely behind in second place with a time of 1:57.12 seconds. Despite facing tough competition, Kien Cogley gave a commendable effort, securing the 14th position with a time of 2:6.14 seconds.
 
In the Men's 3000 meters, Dayton Brown surged to victory with an impressive time of 8:28.46 seconds. Yonas Haile closely followed, securing second place with a strong performance, crossing the finish line in 8:31.44 seconds. Elijah De La Cerda claimed the third spot, finishing with a time of 8:44.05 seconds, while Juan Rosales closely trailed behind in fourth place with a time of 8:45.79 seconds. Micah Swann put forth a commendable effort, clinching the eighth position with a time of 9:14.63 seconds.
 
In the Men's Weight throw event, John Hochanadel dominated the competition with a remarkable throw of 16.25 meters, showcasing his exceptional strength and technique as he secured the first-place position.
 
In the Men's Shot Put event, James Hochanadel showcased his strength and precision with a winning throw of 15.54 meters, securing the first-place position with an impressive performance. Following closely behind, Donovan Capes secured the third-place spot with a solid throw of 14.08 meters.
 
In the Women's 60m hurdles event, Alena Chaney demonstrated her exceptional speed and agility, clinching the first-place victory with a swift time of 8.80 seconds.
 
In the Women's 60m dash preliminaries, Isila Akpup showcased her blazing speed, securing first place and qualifying for the final with an impressive time of 7.63 seconds. In the final, she maintained her dominance, shaving off even more time with a remarkable performance, crossing the finish line in first place with a swift time of 7.46 seconds, solidifying her position as the fastest sprinter in the competition.
 
In the Women's mile race, Tristian Spence demonstrated her endurance and speed, clinching first place with a remarkable time of 5:05.75. Meanwhile, Haley Harkrider secured a respectable fourth place, showcasing her competitive spirit and finishing strong with a time of 5:25.57.
 
In the Women's 400m event, Victoria Amiadamen showcased her speed and stamina, crossing the finish line first with a swift time of 56.90 seconds. Following closely behind, Alese Sartain secured second place with a time of 57.27 seconds, while Avery Palmgreen clinched third place with a time of 59.67 seconds.
 
In the Women's 800m race, Jessica Simon surged ahead to claim victory with an impressive time of 2:11.09 seconds. Following closely behind, Nicole Lawrence secured the second position with a commendable time of 2:16.85.
 
Isila Akpup dominated the Women's 200-meter dash, clinching the top spot with a swift time of 24.65 seconds, demonstrating her speed and agility on the track. Meanwhile, Jada Miller secured the second position with a commendable performance, finishing with a time of 25.15 seconds.
 
In the Women's 3000 meters, Precious Robinson demonstrated her endurance and determination, claiming the top spot with an impressive time of 9:59.12. Following closely behind, Emily Schoellkopf secured the second position with a strong performance, crossing the finish line with a time of 10:3.35.
 
In the Women's Triple Jump competition, Elena Chaney, secured the third position with a leap of 10.71 meters.
 
In the Women's Long Jump, Alena Chaney showcased her exceptional skills by clinching the first position with a remarkable jump of 5.55 meters.
 
Up Next, the Grizzlies will partake in the RMAC Indoor Track & Field Championships, taking place at the Donald E. Young Center Fieldhouse in Spearfish, South Dakota, on February 23rd (Friday) and February 24th (Saturday).