TUSCON, AZ (March 19, 2016) -- The Vassar College men's track team opened its 2016 season late on Friday evening, competing in the second day of action from the Willie Williams Classic, hosted by the University of Arizona.

"It was a very solid start to the meet to set the tone for our season," said interim head track coach Justin Harris "All of our student-athletes have worked really hard and training has been going very well. It's always a good thing to see the process improve day by day, which ultimately results in the performances and outcomes we all desire."

The Brewers showed well in multiple events on Friday evening, with the competition being the culmination of a long training trip to Arizona. Sophomore Michael Walsh was one of the standouts for the Brewer bunch, as he posted two personal records in a pair of events. He first posted a personal best of 5.65 meters in the long jump, placing 17th overall. He then followed that with another PR in the 200 meters, as he posted a 25.04. 

Senior Taylor Vann chalked up a personal best in the 200 meters, getting out fast and finishing strong with a 23.03. Teammate Kyle Estrada also posted a 23.22 in the 200, marking a new personal best for the sophomore sprinter. 

Sophomore Jared Freedman recorded a new personal best in the 1500 meters, placing 11th overall thanks to a great final lap, as he chalked up a 4:06.11. Sophomore Jesse Schatz also competed in the 1500 meter run, recording a 4:26.43. 

In the 5000 meter run, sophomore Philip Brown recorded a new personal best in the event with a sixth-place finish after running a 15:34.88. In the race, Brown closed well over the last 600 meters, as he showed grit and a strong setup for this year's season. Senior captain Colin Hepburn also ran in the 5k, chalking up a time of 16:31.55 for 23rd place.

"We are really excited for our first day of competition to start the season," said interim coordinator of cross country and track James McCowan. "We are really proud of the effort put out by every athlete tonight to get out there and mix it up with some great competition. It's been a great training camp out here in Tucson, AZ and we really look forward to closing it out with more great efforts on day two."

The Brewers will continue action from the Willie Williams Classic Saturday afternoon.