April 13, 2006

Walnut, CA. - McNeese State's Damien Bateman posted a career best of 15:09.93 in the 5000 meter run during the opening day of the Mt. SAC Relays here Thursday.

The mark was 25 seconds faster than any time he had previously turned in during his career with the Cowboys.

The effort gave Bateman an 8th place finish in the event.

Also during Thursday's action, Phil Winfield placed 16th in the 1500 meter run with a 1:52.17 clocking and Nicholas Kay ran a 10:09.8 in the steeplechase.

Jan Bicanic participated in the discus but had no recorded distance.

The pole vault events, which featured McNeese's Jimmie Heath and Michelle Rzepka, went off late Thursday night and results were not available.