Kearney, Neb. – Senior Morgan Benesch broke a 27-year old school record at 5,000 meters to lead Nebraska-Kearney Friday night at the 51st Annual Hillsdale College GINA Relays in Michigan.

Benesch (Columbus Scotus) was one of three distance runners to compete in Michigan; three other field athletes were in Iowa at the Drake Relays.

In the 5,000, Benesch turned in a 16:56.84, good for 12th in a strong field of 26. The time is a provisional effort and places her 19th on the current national list. Donna Spickelmeier ran a 17:28.4 back in 1990 to set the UNK standard in the event.

Just a bit earlier, Ord sophomore Andrew Fields ran a career-best 9:07.49 to finish fifth out of 30 in the steeplechase. The time currently ranks 24th in Division II and keeps Fields ranked seventh in UNK history.

Also in Michigan, Rushville senior Cole Wellnitz ran a 3:49.70 to place fifth out of 36 in the 1,500 meter run. His time was just off his school record of 3:49.02, set earlier this spring.

At Drake, Fairfield junior Bailey Stapleman cleared 16-6.75 to be eighth out of 17 in the pole vault. It marks the fourth time this outdoor season he has reached at least 16-1 in a meet. On the women's side, O'Neill junior Emily Everitt tied for 18th in the high jump by going 5-4.25.

The Lopers now prepare for the MIAA Championships next weekend at Southwest Baptist.