Outdoor Track & Field: Marella Sets Record

By: Alex Ziolkowski, Contributing Writer

Freshman Allison Marella set a school record in the 10,000-meter run and junior Megan Knoblock recorded the second-fastest time in school history in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Raleigh Relays hosted by North Carolina State Friday.

In the 10,000-meter run, Marella broke a school record with a time of 34:47.38 minutes and placed eighth among 40 runners. 

“When you’re on a track for 6.2 miles you have to find a groove,” Assistant Coach Gary May said. “She felt prepared and executed the plan. When the gun goes off just do what you do.”    

Marella broke the previous school record of 35:56.58 minutes set by Elisabeth Tauber in 2014.

She has the sixth fastest time among all Division I competitors this season and the second fastest time in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).

Her time also qualified for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division I Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Knoblock competed against 20 runners and finished in 17th place with a time of 11:00.48.

This was Knoblock’s season debut in the event. The last time that she had participated in the steeplechase was during the NCAA Conference last year.

“She was focused on having a clean race,” May said. “When she came around to where we were waiting by the track all I did was look at my watch and give her a thumbs up. I am very proud of this group.”

Towson will compete in the Colonial Relays Friday and Saturday at William & Mary.

After the Colonial Relays at William & Mary, Towson will host the Towson Invitational on Friday, April 8 at Johnny Unitas Stadium.