SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Loyola University Chicago men's and women's track teams delivered a strong performance Saturday at the Notre Dame Invite at the Loftus Center, highlighted by multiple personal records and several marks that landed among the top 10 in program history.
The Loyola men opened the day with a dominant showing in the 1,000 meters, as James Howell and Miguel Abaitua finished first and second, respectively. Howell won the event in 2:26.26, a time that ranks as the eighth-fastest in school history. Abaitua followed closely with a 2:26.54, completing the 1–2 finish for the Ramblers.
On the women's side of the 1,000 meters, Loyola saw four personal records. Lindsey Kiehl led the way with a seventh-place finish in 2:59.05, a personal best that also ranks 10th in program history. Natalya Kuchenbuch (3:01.26), Claire Blotnik (3:01.46) and Jo Collins (3:06.72) each recorded PRs, placing ninth, 10th and 12th, respectively.
The men's mile featured a deep showing for Loyola, led by Izak Bibile's 13th-place finish in 4:12.80. Cael Mulholland (4:14.56), Eugene Niox-Chateau (4:15.79), Jake Phillips (4:16.07) and Hayden Healey (4:16.08) all finished within one second of each other as part of a large Rambler contingent in the event.
In the women's mile, Roisin Treacy delivered one of the meet's top performances for Loyola, finishing 10th in 4:47.63. Her time marked a personal record and now stands as the fifth-fastest mile in school history. Maggie Powers (4:56.62), Eileen Seebon (4:56.98) and Leah Klapatauskas (4:57.02) also recorded PRs, placing 14th, 15th and 16th, respectively.
Francesco Benelli recorded a podium finish in the men's 3,000 meters, placing third with a time of 8:24.79. Mackenzie Armstrong led the Loyola women in the 3,000 meters, finishing 11th in 10:17.32, while McKenzie Willard also competed for the Ramblers.
The meet concluded with the women's 4x400-meter relay, where the quartet of Kiehl, Kuchenbuch, Blotnik and Collins finished fourth in 4:09.56.
Loyola will next compete at the Meyo Invite on Friday, Jan. 30, in South Bend, Ind., as the Ramblers continue their indoor season.
