Garcia Wins ECAC Steeplechase Title

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PRINCETON, N.J. – Stephanie Garcia led the Virginia track and field team in the opening day of the ECAC/IC4A Outdoor Track and Field Championships by winning the ECAC steeplechase. The sophomore led a pack of 10 runners who met NCAA Regional Qualifying times, while her time of 10:19.74 was almost 12 seconds faster than the second place finisher.

Katie Read joined Garcia with a top finish, taking fourth in the 5000m in 16:59.69 to help lead the women’s squad to a current second place ranking after three scored events, with 15 points.

Stephanie Stafford also raced in the steeplechase, finishing in 10:57.37.

Ryan Foster led five Cavaliers in the 5000m, finishing sixth in a season-best 14:23.21. Emil Heineking was the second Cavalier across the line, in 14:27.18, while Andy Biladeau was close behind, clocking in at a season-best 14:28.42. Trey Miller finished in 14:31.01 and Ryan Collins finished in 14:53.14.

In the 10K, Taylor Smith finished seventh in a personal-best 30:29.68 to help the Cavaliers collect five points after three scored events. Virginia currently sits ninth overall.

The championships will continue tomorrow before concluding on Sunday. Events are scheduled to begin with the IC4A decathlon at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The IC4A 4×400 trials will close out the day, slated for 6 p.m.

WOMEN
5K: Katie Read (4th 16:59.69); Steeple: Stephanie Garcia (1st 10:19.74), Samantha Stafford (10:57.37)

MEN
5K: Ryan Foster (6th 14:23.21), Emil Heineking (14:27.18), Andy Biladeau (14:28.42), Trey Miller (14:31.01), Ryan Collins (14:53.14); 10K: Taylor Smith (7th 30:29.68); Steeple: Steve Finley (9:07.21).