By Timothy Walsh, Athletics Communications Writer

NAMPA, Idaho -- Connor Giannini (Sr., Veradale, WA/Gonzaga Prep) finished eighth out of 29 finalists in the men's 400-meter dash, and just missed qualifying for the finals of the men's 200-meter dash, as multiple Willamette University athletes competed on the final day of the Boise State Challenge on Saturday, February 15, at the Idaho Sports Center.

Giannini's time of 50.73 seconds in the 400-meter dash bested the times of four NCAA Division I runners, and was the best finish by an athlete from an NCAA Division III school in that event. Teammate Jeremy Falk (So., Davis HS/Davis CA) also competed in the 400-meter dash, coming in 18th place at 53.47.

In the 200-meter dash, Giannini's time of 22.77 in the preliminary heats was good for 15th out of 45 entrants, and just 0.15 seconds behind the final qualifying time for the finals.

Hugh Donlon (Fy., Honolulu, HI/Mid-Pacific Institute) continued his strong showing from yesterday in the men's high jump with a jump of 5' 10.75", which was good for 10th place out of 22 competitors. 

Meanwhile, in the women's 800-meter run, Isabel Duxbury (Jr., Seattle, WA/University Prep) and Audrey Piacsek (So., Thorp, WA/Ellensburg HS) each recorded strong times, crossing the finish line at 2:26.20 and 2:26.31, respectively, ahead of eight Division I athletes.

Also competing for Willamette on Saturday were Ronan Davies (Fy., Juneau, AK/Juneau-Douglas HS), Matt Ihling (So., Boise, Capital Senior High), Alex Matteson (So., Seattle, WA/Nathan Hale HS), and Gabriel Regimbal (Fy., Bellingham, WA/Squalicum HS) in the men's 1-mile run, Jamie Smith (Sr., Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) in the women's 1-mile run, and Brian Peck (Sr., Reno, NV/Reno HS) in the men's triple jump.

The Bearcats will wrap up the 2020 indoor season on Saturday, February 29, at the SPU Final Qualifier, hosted by Seattle Pacific University. Action is set to begin at the Dempsey Indoor Center on the campus of the University of Washington at 4 p.m. (PST).