Anass Essayi Runs School Record, NCAA Lead
The Moroccan Olympian set the school record in the 1,500 meters for the second straight week
OXFORD, Miss.—Two Gamecocks took to the track on Friday night at the Joe Walker Invitational.
Anass Essayi ran another school-record time in the 1,500 meters to win the event. He ran a time of 3:39.03 for the victory. Essayi’s time is also good for the NCAA lead in the event. Essayi broke his own school record from last weekend by a full second.
Essayi defeated Ole Miss’ Mario Garcia Romo who is the reigning NCAA Miile champion. Essayi beat Garcia Romo on his home track in less than ideal conditions. ssayi fought off 44-degree weather and winds up to 15 miles per hour and still managed to run the NCAA lead against an elite field.
Sean Petersen also ran the 1,500 meters for the Gamecocks. He took 30th with a time of 3:54.11. The time marks his second consecutive weekend with a season-best performance.
The Gamecocks return to the tack April 16 for the Gamecock Invitational. Dawn Ellerbe will have her jersey retired at a ceremony set for Noon next Saturday.
Joe Walker Invitational
Men’s Individual Results
1,500 Meters
1. Anass Essayi – 3:39.03
30. Sean Petersen – 3:54.11
