EMPORIA, Kan. - Coming off another strong indoor season, the Iowa Central track and field team opened up the outdoor portion of their season here Saturday at the ESU Invitational hosted by Emporia State University.

Several Tritons punched their bids to nationals including Britney Brown in the 400, Hunter Klimek, Yared Kidane and Chloe Garcia Grafing in the 1,500, Robin Aguilar Gonzalez in the 3,000 Steeplechase and James Mackey Jr. in the discus.

Kidane captured the 1,500 in a time of 3:53.08, which ranks fifth-fastest in school history. Brown clocked a 55.78 in the 400 to earn second, which places her ninth on the school's list.

Roman Kuleshov won the 200 and was second in the 100, while Gonzalez won the 3,000 Steeplechase. Klimek was third in the 1,500 with Ayenew Devany placing eighth and Aspel Kiprob 10th. 

"This was a great start to a promising outdoor season for the Tritons," said Nick Ekel, Iowa Central head coach. "We had some big steps in the right direction. There was also a plethora of commendable performances from our entire team. We will use that momentum to carry us into next week."

Mackey finished sixth in the discus and seventh in the shot put, and Nicola Paletti was 10th in the 110 hurdles. 

Along with Brown's runner-up in the 400, she also placed fifth in the 200. Adeyah Brewster was the 100 runner-up with Garcia Grafing finishing third in the 1,500.

Emma Seidl placed sixth in the shot put and Lexi Wood was 10th in the same event.

Iowa Central returns to Kansas on Friday to compete in the Shocker Invitational hosted by Wichita State. 

-By Dana Becker