Brastner's First Place Highlights SLIAC Indoor Championships

ELSAH, IL — The Blackburn College Indoor Track and Field teams wrapped up the indoor season with the strongest performances in program history at the St Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Championships. Highlighted by the program's first individual conference title, podium finishes, school records, and personal-best performances, the Beavers proved competitive across events throughout the two-day meet. 

Blackburn scored 31 points on the men's side to finish sixth of nine teams, a significant jump from last year's eighth-place finish. The women added six points to place eighth overall as both teams closed the indoor campaign with progress and momentum.

Friday Field Events

Friday's action featured the long jump, pole vault, and weight throw.

Freshman Sophia Palmier earned a podium finish in the women's pole vault, clearing 2.40 meters to place third and score six team points. She also competed in the high jump later in the meet, continuing to gain valuable championship experience as a field athlete.

In the men's weight throw, freshman Leland Branstner placed fifth with a school-record mark of 12.44 meters, adding four team points and setting the tone early for the Beavers' weekend.

The men's long jump saw freshman Tristan Toss leap 6.10 meters to finish 10th overall, while junior Landan Tribble recorded a mark of 5.64 meters. The jumps group showed consistency and growth heading into the final day of competition.

Saturday Finals

Saturday brought a full slate of track events along with the remaining field competitions.

Branstner returned to the ring in the men's shot put and delivered the highlight performance of the meet, capturing the SLIAC Championship with a lifetime-best and school-record throw of 13.62 meters. The mark secured 10 team points and Blackburn's first individual conference title.

Sophomore Byron McNeil added a strong fourth-place finish in the triple jump with a mark of 13.26 meters. His final-round effort secured five points and solidified his standing among the conference's top jumpers.

The men's DMR team of Oberkfell, Tribble, Troutt, and junior Sam Burrows placed fifth in 11:21.26, breaking the previous school record of 11:51. Oberkfell opened in 3:29, Tribble split 58.87 for 400 meters, Troutt ran 2:11 for 800 meters, and Burrows closed in 4:41 for 1,600 meters.

On the track, freshman Kendrik Troutt continued his breakout season in the 800 meters, running a season-best 2:07.47 to place fifth and score four points. Junior Collyn Oberkfell clocked 2:14.67 in the open 800 after leading off the distance medley relay with a strong 1,200-meter leg.

Freshman Bree Hammon competed in the women's shot put with a throw of 7.73 meters, while freshman Maya Bennett ran 8.70 in the 60-meter dash and freshman Isabella Bradley posted 1:12.45 in the 400 meters, each gaining valuable championship experience.

The meet concluded with the men's 4x400-meter relay team of Toss, McNeil, Oberkfell, and Burrows placing sixth in 3:46.77 to add three more team points.

Across both days, Blackburn had school records, personal bests, and a conference championship performance that shows progress. With new standards established and valuable experience gained, the Beavers now turn their focus to the outdoor season with confidence and momentum as they continue climbing the SLIAC standings.

"We're really pleased with the progress our athletes are making," said head coach Noah Daum. "At the same time, we have work to do. That's the exciting part. We're building something with positive momentum, and we're excited to see that continue to progress."

The beavers kick off the outdoor season on Saturday, March 28th at the Millikin Big Blue Opener.