By Mason Nesbitt, Sports Information Director

The Oxy Distance Carnival wasn’t short on TMU highlights.

“I was happy with how we competed,” said The Master’s University track and field coach Zach Schroeder after the Mustangs competed at Occidental College in Los Angeles on Saturday. “For the most part, all my athletes performed up to my expectations for them at this point in the season. We’re off to a good start.”

There was good for both men and women.

Freshman Seanna Nalbandyan won the fastest heat of the open 400 meters with a time of 58.25 seconds. She also anchored TMU’s 4×400 relay and nearly tracked down Kennedy Miller of West Los Angeles near the finish line.

TMU finished second.

Elsewhere, Mustang Rylee Bishop ran a lifetime best in the 1500 (4 minutes, 53.65 seconds), and Rachelle Nelson produced a solid collegiate debut in the 5000 (18:29.36).

For the men, Schroeder was pleased with Josh Nunez’s and Justin Harris‘s season debuts in the 3000 steeple chase.

“These two look really good at this point in the season,” Schroeder said, “and we’re excited to see how they continue to progress this year.”

Then Schroeder provided a truth dressed as a play on words.

“There’s a steep learning curve in the steeple chase,” he said.

In the 5K, Stephen Pacheco (15:03.75) and Wes Methum (15:21.43) each ran lifetime bests. Both were on pace to qualify for NAIA nationals after 2 miles.

“I’m confident both will qualify with their next good opportunity,” Schroeder said.

Jake Ortiz won his heat of the 400, running a collegiate personal best (50.47).