Two of Loyola’s relay teams earned All-American status after fantastic performances at the 2019 New Balance Outdoor Nationals held over the weekend (June 15-16) at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, N.C.
In the final event of the night on Saturday (June 15), the Cubs’ 4x800m relay comprised of Konnor Paris ’19, Bobby Ruelas ’19, Mason Ratkovich ’19 and Anthony Stone ’20 posted a new California state-leading time of 7:42.76 to place 4th overall. The Cubs improved upon their 7:48.13 run at the Arcadia Invitational back in early April, which was also a state-leading mark at the time.
The 4x800 splits were as follows: Paris (1:56.22), Ruelas (2:00.06), Stone (1:54.61), Ratkovich (1:51.88). Paris ran the fastest opening split of the race (1:56.22) while the anchor Ratkovich ran 1:51.88 to secure the Top 4 finish and help Loyola’s quartet earn All-American certificates.
On Sunday (June 16), Loyola’s Distance Medley relay team of Ratkovich, Paris, Stone and Andrew Arth ’19 posted the second fastest time in school history (USA No. 3) after clocking a 10:07.74, finishing in third overall and earning the bronze medal. That time was also an improvement from their then-record setting DMR time at the Arcadia Invitational where the same four Cubs crossed the line at 10:12.05.
The Distance Medley splits were as follows: Stone (1200m - 3:08.84), Arth (400m - 47.71), Paris (800m - 1:55.47), Ratkovich (1600m - 4:15.74). Arth also ran the fastest second leg split (400m - 47.71) in the event.
Congrats to all of our newest All-Americans on a great end to the season!
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