SALEM, Ore. --
Evan Williams (Jr.) set The Evergreen State College record in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase during the 2026 Nancy & Norm Berney Classic, in track and field at Corban University on Saturday, April 25. Williams completed the race in 10:03.37 and took third place. Several other personal bests highlighted Evergreen's efforts during the meet.
In addition to setting the school record, Williams qualified for the 2026 Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships with his time in the steeplechase. He lowered his previous top time by 17 seconds from 10:20.37 at the Oregon State University (OSU) High Performance meet in early May of 2025.
"Evan's school record was the cherry on top today," said Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach
Katie Burnett. "This is the first steeplechase he has run in a year and he cam away shattering the school record and qualifying for conference all in one day. Way to go!"
Madison Palek (So.) of Evergreen set a personal record of 24:53.88 in the women's 5,000-meter race walk. She lowered her career-best time by 39 seconds. Palek remained in second place on Evergreen's all-time list in the event. She qualified for the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 5,000-meter race walk earlier this season.
"Maddy had an outstanding performance today and a huge PR!" Burnett said. "She'll be vying for a top spot at Nationals next month."
Dani Buttrell (So.) registered a personal-best time in the women's 5,000-meter run. She took second place in the race and was timed at 19:28.81.
"Dani's gutsy performance in the 5,000 meters allowed her to achieve an Evergreen all-time #9 result," Burnett noted.
In the women's 1,500-meter run,
Sylvie Biesack (Fr.) earned second place and finished the race in a personal record time of 5:11.82.
"Sylvie also came through with a personal best to get the #10 all-time performance," Burnett said.
Cynthia Goldner (Fr.) added a personal record in the women's javelin throw. Goldner's top mark was 16.28 meters (53' 5"). She improved her top distance from 15.45 meters (50 8") at the Linfield Jenn Boyman Memorial Invitational on April 4.
Also for the Geoducks,
Claire Ryan (Jr.) led Evergreen in the women's hammer throw. Ryan took second place with a toss of 40.79 meters (133' 10").
Evergreen placed third in the women's overall team standings with 49 points, just edging out Southern Oregon University, which placed fourth with 48 points. A total of 10 women's teams competed. The Evergreen men's team was seventh out of nine teams with 30 points.
The Geoducks will return to action on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at the Oregon State University High Performance meet.
"The team is winding down the regular season well with conference championships just around the corner," Burnett commented. The CCC Championships are set for Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 in La Grande, Oregon.
