JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's and women's track teams traveled to the University of North Florida Thursday to compete in the UNF Invitational against a mostly NCAA Division I field. Senior Shane Bracken of the men's team put together an elite performance in the 1,500m as he ran the second fastest 1,500m time this season at the Division II level as well as the 45^th fastest mark all-time by an Irishman in the event.
 
Bracken's time of 3:41.53 was only bested by a runner from NCAA Division I Campbell who broke the facility record. The facility, Jax Track and Hodges Stadium, has played host to NCAA Championship events including NCAA Division I East Preliminary Rounds among others. Bracken's time is below the NCAA Automatic Qualifying Standard earning him an automatic trip to the upcoming NCAA Track & Field Championships at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.
 
Bracken has been fighting an uphill battle all season as several times slower than his have been run at elevation but will be adjusted due to altitude at the end of the season per NCAA rules which could have kept him out of the championships even though he posted faster times than those runners.
 
Sophomore Felix Nadeborn joined Bracken in the 1,500m and finished 15 spots back in 17^th as he stopped the clock at 3:54.52.
 
Junior Paige Patterson of the women's team took second in the 3,000m steeplechase as she bested several Division I runners only falling to a runner from Florida State. Patterson clocked in at 10:55.39 earning an NCAA Provisional Qualifying mark. The time was over a second faster than her previous best time this season set back on April 17.
 
Sophomore Pierre Galbourdin was the final Lion in action Thursday as he ran late into the evening in the 5,000m. The La Bresse, France native took 12^th in the loaded field as he completed the distance in 14:49.04.
 
Sophomore Tania Jarreau will be the lone Lion in action Friday at the UNF Invitational as she competes in the 800m at 2:25 p.m.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo track, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com.  Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
 
Keeping Our Lions Healthy & Safe
Saint Leo University Athletics is keeping our student-athletes healthy and safe by following a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes having student-athletes tested or screened on a regular basis, traveling in smaller groups, limiting the number of fans in attendance, avoiding overnight trips, and wearing masks when not competing. These safety standards meet those set by the NCAA Division II and the Sunshine State Conference President's Council. At Saint Leo University, the COVID-19 Incident Command Team also reviews the teams' safety protocol and monitors adherence on a regular basis.