Women's Outdoor Track and Field 4/13/2026 10:55:00 AM

Ridge continues to rewrite history as Track & Field Falcons hit more national outdoor marks

Photo Credit: Kortney Schutt

El Dorado, Kan., Hillsboro, Kan. and Fayetteville, Ark. – The Friends University Falcons nailed more NAIA National qualifying marks at three events, led by yet another historic performance by Tiyna Ridge on Saturday (Apr. 11).

At the Arkansas Spring Invitational, Ridge ran an NAIA A standard time of 11.26 in the women's 100m race, finishing second behind only 2024 Paris Olympian competitor Gladymar Torres Crespo, who clipped her in a photo finish. The time is not only a KCAC and school record but ranks as second best in the NAIA this season and also the second best mark in NAIA history.

That was the highlight of the weekend but not the only national mark set, with Shawn Burdick and Gabriela Millan each setting school records and national standards. Burdick hit the NAIA B standard with a PR of 16.67m in the Men's Shot Put, while Millan also achieved the NAIA B standard in the Women's 100m Hurdle event with a PR time of 14.16.

Additional weekend highlights:

In other action at the Grizzly Gold Invite, Aaliyah Ramirez claimed victory in the women's pole vault, clearing a height of 3.66 meters (12' 0"). Abby Green delivered a strong performance in the women's hammer throw, achieving a mark of 53.20 meters (174' 6") to secure second place. Green's final throw was her best of the day.

Jesus Bey secured a second-place finish in the men's pole vault, clearing a height of 4.41 meters (14' 5.5"). This performance included successful first attempts up to 4.21 meters and an eventual clearance on the third try at 4.41 meters.

Julian Winters came in third in the men's hammer throw, reaching a PR 54.40 meters (178' 6"), while Christian Setzer also achieved a third-place finish in the men's 110 hurdles, crossing the line with a time of 14.98 seconds.

The Track & Field Falcons will continue marching toward the KCAC Outdoor Championships by competing at the ESU Relays on Apr. 16-18 in Emporia, Kan. and the Coyote Challenge on Apr. 17 in Salina, Kan.

Friends Track & Field head coach Henry Brun on the Falcons' performances at three different meets this past weekend:

"It was a crazy week, with splitting the team up a couple different ways to chase quality competition. And we certainly had a weekend! Things continue to go well in all event groups as we edge closer to the KCAC Championships. There were several PR's and season bests, along with some huge standout performances that qualified for NAIA nationals.

Gabby had a historic day, breaking the school record and qualifying for nationals in the 100m hurdles. She has worked so hard over the last three seasons, and for her to break through the way that she has is a true testament to her growth as an athlete and a person. From a high schooler that had never qualified for the state championships in Florida to a NAIA national qualifier - she keeps raising the bar for herself.

Things are starting to really click for Shawn. The transition from high school to college is sometimes a challenging one, but he has really stayed focused and Coach Kenny has done great work with him on the small details. We knew the meet would come where he connected all the dots. He is such a competitor so it is fun to watch him throw because he can dig deep and pop off on any attempt. I can't wait to see what he has in these final weeks of the season.

When you have now been "out leaned" by two global championship competitors to beat you, I guess you can say that you are turning some heads. Tiyna has just risen to the occasion time and time again. After the growth of the indoor season, we knew that we would need to challenge her going into outdoors by putting her in environments that would test her limits. Arkansas was that first test, and I'd say that she passed with flying colors. She has been working on some small technical switches in training and it is starting to connect in competition, which is making her start more effective. We know the NAIA showdown in the national final is the goal we are preparing for, and Tiyna will be ready when the moment comes."

Falcon Women Results Summary at the Grizzly Gold Invite:

- Women's 200 Meters — 7th: Lydia Robinson, 25.71; 22nd: Haidyn Thompson, 26.56; 23rd: Madeliene Myers, 26.65

- Women's 800 Meters — 17th: Hannah Cribley, 2:24.83; 42nd: Grace Lee, 2:36.98; 52nd: Janaya Devorce, 2:44.98

- Women's 5000 Meters — 19th: Lexi Patterson, 19:39.48

- Women's 100 Hurdles — 1st: Gabriela Millan, 14.16; 11th: Liberty Smith, 17.32

- Women's 400 Hurdles — 7th: Eider Alzaga, 1:10.30

- Women's Pole Vault — 1st: Aaliyah Ramirez, 3.66m (12' 0"); 4th: Sabryn Copeland, 2.96m (9' 8.5")

- Women's Long Jump — 8th: Haidyn Thompson, 5.04m (16' 6.5"); 9th: Avery Mertens, 5.04m (16' 6.5")

- Women's Shot Put — 7th: Nevaeh Moore, 11.90m (39' 0.5")

- Women's Discus — 13th: Cameron Clary, 35.98m (118' 0")

- Women's Hammer — 2nd: Abby Green, 53.20m (174' 6"); 8th: Aiyanna Green, 47.36m (155' 4")

Falcon Men Results Summary at the Grizzly Gold Invite: