TAMPA, Fla. — The Stetson track and field team wrapped up its season this past weekend at the South Florida Invitational, hosted by University of South Florida. The men's team competed Friday night, with the women's squad following on Saturday.
The men opened competition in the 3000-meter steeplechase, where junior Zeke Galbraith placed third with a time of 9:35.27. The momentum continued in the 1500 meters, as freshman Kenan Willard delivered another standout performance, running 3:57.57 to rank third all-time in program history while winning his heat. Willard closed his race with an impressive 59-second final lap. Junior Robbie Champa and freshman Jonathan Pena followed with strong efforts, clocking times of 3:58.22 and 4:00.69 to place third and seventh, respectively.
In the 800 meters, sophomore Nicholas Zamora capped off a remarkable season by lowering his own school record once again, crossing the line in 1:52.99. The mark represents the third time this season Zamora has reset the program standard in the event.
The Hatters closed out Friday night in the 5000 meters with another strong showing. Junior Michael Petrovic placed third with a time of 14:58.85, moving into ninth all-time in program history. Freshman Blake Young followed closely behind in 15:04.99. Champa returned to the track alongside freshman Tanner Pritchard, finishing in 15:36.22 and 16:03.46, respectively. With his performance, Petrovic joined Willard and Young as the third Hatter to break the 15-minute mark in the 5000 meters this season.
The women's team carried that momentum into Saturday's competition. Freshman Hannah Judge continued her standout season, breaking the school record in the 1500 meters for the second time this year.
In the 5000 meters, sophomore Lucille Marquart delivered a breakthrough performance, closing in 77 seconds over her final lap to finish in 17:59.46 and move into the program's all-time top 10. Avery Sommers (18:24.13) and Deanna Bottino (18:27.81) added depth for the Hatters, while sophomore Madi Kerr-Wong rounded out the group with a time of 19:12.07.
With the outdoor season now complete, both teams turn their focus toward the fall cross country season, aiming to build on their success and contend for a conference championship.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
