MURRAY, Ky. – Saint Louis began its outdoor track and field season at the Margaret Simmons Invitational this weekend on the campus of Murray State University.

The Billikens recorded numerous quality performances, including Griffin Kimbrel who set the school record in the pole vault with a mark of 4.40 meters.

"This was a solid season opening meet," SLU head coach Jon Bell said. "There is always a bit of a challenge to get back into a competitive routine following the indoor season, as well as spring break. I felt we handled that challenge well. We need to be focused on getting back into a routine quickly if we hope to have success throughout the remainder of the season."

Kimbrel's school-record of 4.40 meters in the pole vault bettered the previous mark of 4.10 meters, set by Joey Fiandaca in 2017.

Tristan Boatman PR'd in the hammer with a mark of 54.44, second on SLU's all-time performance list. 

Sam Lamaze continued his strong freshman season, finishing first in the 400 meters (48.45) and sixth in the 200 meters (21.97) in his outdoor debut. Both of those time rank in the top five in school history.

Dalton Ross won the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.94, which ranks No. 2 in school history. Boen Brockmiller was fifth in the 100 meters (10.98) in a time that is ranked fourth all-time. Malik Stewart was the winner in 800 meters, finishing in 1:55.39. Brady Huggins won the 3,000-meter steeple chase with a time of 9:58.88.

Jordan Howlett placed second in the triple jump and long jump. His mark of 6.87 in the long jump is No. 2 all-time at SLU. Jayden Kouadio was the top finisher in the triple jump with a mark of 14.59 meters.

The men's 4x400-meter relay of Carson Amstutz, Chase Pitre, Jace Peterson and Lamaze finished first in a time of 3:18.80.

Clara Gillen won the 3,000-meter steeple chase with a time of 11:26.22, second-fastest in school history.

Quincy Hubert won the 400-meter hurdles in a time of 1:04.86. Emily Morden finished first the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:39.94. 

Journey Amundson was the individual champion in the long jump and triple jump, reaching 5.88 meters and 12.24 meters, respectively.

The women's 4x400-meter relay finished first. The team was comprised of Patricia O'Neill, Jillian Jackson, Becky Phillips and Hubert.

The Billikens host meets at the Medical Center Recreational Complex next Friday (March 28) and Saturday (March 29).