LA GRANDE, Ore. - The College of Idaho opened its indoor campaign with a strong showing across the board Saturday at the Beat the Freeze Invitational, collecting multiple event wins, a sweep of the women's vertical jumps and a breakout day in the throws.
Junior Kylee Quinton highlighted the track events with a commanding win in the women's 1000 meters, clocking a personal-best 2:59.25. On the men's side, freshman Evan Anderson placed eighth in his collegiate debut at 2:58.05.
The Yotes were sharp in the sprints and hurdles, led by sophomore Stella Gray, who advanced to the 60-meter final and placed fourth in a personal-best 7.99. She added a runner-up finish in the 200 at 26.80 and later placed second in the shot put at 12.26 meters. In the hurdles, freshman Lexi Gay and juniors Brooke Lowery and Dakota Bussen all advanced from prelims, with Lowery leading the finals group in fourth at 9.81.
Sophomore Trevor Treat opened his season with a win in the men's 60 hurdles in a personal-best 8.58, followed closely by freshman Bryson Montag in second at 8.61. Treat carried that momentum into the 200, finishing fourth at 23.78 and adding a runner-up performance in the long jump at 6.45 meters.
The Yotes excelled in the field, securing event victories in both men's and women's high jump. Junior Mattie Shirts cleared 1.60 meters to win the women's competition and later added a sixth-place finish in the long jump. Sophomore Logan Prince led the men with a personal-best 1.95 meters, taking second overall.
The women's pole vault produced another victory, as sophomore Kiriann Johnson cleared 3.55 meters to win by a comfortable margin. She added a win in the triple jump at 9.83 meters, with sophomore Keira Merryman close behind in second.
Freshman Helene Rae impressed in the throws, winning the women's shot put at 12.91 meters and placing second in the weight throw at 13.45. Junior Keenan Blair matched that success on the men's side, taking the shot put title with a mark of 14.90 and finishing sixth in the weight throw.
The Yotes return to competition next month as the indoor season ramps up toward the full winter slate.
