BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana Tech track team participated in their second meet of the season at the Batllin' Bears/Yellowjacket Meet Thursday. The Orediggers saw improvement in times and personal records along with winning a couple events.

"Today was definitely a great step forward for us," said head Coach Zach Kughn.

"We only ran three guys but they brought home a first, second, and a third including two PR's. River really put the field away in the 5k despite pretty hot and windy conditions."

River Sheppard won the men's 5000m with a time of 16:03.02 which converts to 15:50.95. The first place finish was Sheppards first collegiate victory and was a PR.

Ian Barville finished in second place in the 1500m with a time of 4:03.56 which converts to 4:00.84 and is the 11^th best time in the NAIA this year.  

Jake Vetter took third place in the 800m finishing with a time of 2:01.84.

"The women also had a good day with some girls mixing it up in the 800 and a great contingency in the 5k."

Becca Richtman won the 5000m finishing with a time of 17:15.94. Richtman already qualified for nationals in the last meet. Her converted time of 17:02.95 is the third best mark in the NAIA this season and a PR.

"Becca ran one of the most impressive races I've ever had an athlete run. We definitely know she is ready for cross country national in 8 days."

Riley Crissman finished third in the 5000m with a time of 19:04.48. Madison Kelly took sixth place with a time of 21:12.68.

In the 800m, Karolyna Buck finished in seventh place with a time of 2:33.37.

"Overall I was just proud of the attitudes our athletes had. They really seemed like a team that was grateful for the opportunity to compete and wanted to take advantage of it regardless of conditions. That's all I can ask for."