Girard & Thomas Show Out In Houston

HOUSTON, Texas - Texas A&M-Corpus Christi collected a pair of top-five finishes to start this Friday's Victor Lopez Classic, with Allyson Girard and Diamond Thomas collecting records in the 5000m and hammer throw respectively.

Just a week removed from Rabea Schoneborn's record setting performance, Allyson Girard bettered her teammate's record with a 16:27.41 in the 5000m. Her time is nearly 30 seconds faster than the perviously standing Islander record and is over a minute quicker than athletes from any other side in the Southland this outdoor season. Barring remaining results from this weekend, Girard's pace currently sits first in all of Division I track as she finished 46 seconds ahead of all competition in Houston this Friday.

Diamond Thomas collected another school record for the Islanders in the field, tossing a distance of 50.32m in the hammer throw, for 13th overall. Her throw came in just ahead of teammate Kaelin Simmons, who recorded a personal best 48.21m in 15th.

On the men's side, the Blue and Green competed in the 10,000m for the first time this year, with freshman Isaac Vargas posting a second place time of 31:38.96. Vargas' finish ranks ninth in Islander history and is almost a full minute faster than any other runner in the Southland so far this season.

Junior Marek Spriestersbach was one of two Corpus Christi athletes to place within the top-five of the Victor Lopez Classic's second day. The German-native ran a 9:38.96 in the 3000m Steeplechase to place fifth overall, crossing the finish line ahead of athletes from Houston and Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Top Islander Performances

Women's 5000m
1. Allyson Girard (16:27.41) - SR

Men's 10,000m
2. Isaac Vargas (31:38.96)

Men's 3000m Steeplechase
5. Marek Spriestersbach (9:38.96)

Women's Hammer Throw
13. Diamond Thomas (50.32m) - SR
15. Kaelin Simmons (48.21m) - PR

COMING UP NEXT
Corpus Christi continues its competition in Houston on Saturday, with field events starting as early as 11 AM.

For more information on Islanders track and field, follow the team on Twitter (@IslandersTFXC), Instagram (@go_islanders) and like their Facebook page (Islanders Track & Field/Cross Country).