VERMILLION, S.D. – Nebraska Wesleyan's distance squad continued the outdoor season with a strong showing in the 5,000 meters at the USD Early Bird, led by sophomore Conner Ross's 15:09.81.

Ross, competing in Heat 3, finished 10th overall in a field of 63 runners. His time marked a 54-second personal best from his time last year and ranks second in the American Rivers Conference this season.

Sophomores Thomas Vasquez (15:24.66) and Josh Knispel (15:26.69) followed closely, taking 17th and 18th overall. Freshman Dylan Lender rounded out the men's group with a 15:29.75.

On the women's side, junior Avary Byers led with a 19:00.62 (28th overall), just six seconds off her PR. Sophomore Kari Mathsen (19:30.48) and freshmen Payton Jorczak (19:37.08) and Reese Kozisek (19:57.71) all posted sub-20-minute.

More Prairie Wolves will be in action tomorrow at the Concordia Invite in Seward, Nebraska.