Murphy, Trattner, Yual Lead Hawkeyes on Day 1 in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. – University of Iowa track and field opened day one of the Raleigh Relays in Raleigh, North Carolina, with strong showings from sophomores Max Murphy and Yohana Yual and junior Nick Trattner.

Murphy started the day in the men’s 1,500-meter race, placing 15th out of nearly 200 runners and finishing in 3:43.81. Freshman Will Ryan (3:56.08) and sophomore Ian Geisler (4:09.47) also opened their seasons in the event.

“Max Murphy had a very good season opener in the 1,500 and I am looking forward to his 5k next week,” associate head coach Randy Hasenbank said. “Our freshman, Will Ryan and Hayden Kuhn, each had very good season openers. Will ran 3:56 in his 1,500 meter outdoor debut. Hayden ran a great 5k at 14:37. He showed a lot of confidence and a lot of ability.”

The men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase featured a pair of Hawkeyes in Yual and junior Jack Pendergast. Yual started his outdoor season with a career best 9:13.43, while Pendergast crossed the line in 9:17.59.

“Yohana put together a solid season opener in the 3k steeple — a personal best for him in some very warm conditions here this afternoon,” Hasenbank said.

The night was capped by the men’s 5,000-meter race with Trattner leading the way for the Hawkeyes, finishing in 14:14.91 — a personal best. Freshmen Hayden Kuhn and sophomore Aidan King followed Trattner, wrapping up in 14:37.82 and 14:45.23, respectively.

“Nick had very good race considering that he had not raced since early November and missed all of indoor with an illness,” Hasenbank added. “He showed a lot of grit.”

The Raleigh Relays resume tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. with the women’s 1,500-meter race.

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Men’s 1,500-meters
15. Max Murphy – 3:43.81
160. Will Ryan – 3:56.08
194. Ian Geisler – 4:09.47

Men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase
38. Yohana Yual – 9:13.43, PR
45. Jack Pendergast – 9:17.59

Men’s 5,000-meters
54. Nick Trattner – 14:14.91, PR
134. Hayden Kuhn – 14:37.82
158. Aidan King – 14:45.23