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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
GU Men Conclude Season at Heart Championships with Strong Efforts Across Sprints

GU Men Conclude Season at Heart Championships with Strong Efforts Across Sprints

Results

FAYETTE, Mo. — The Graceland University men's outdoor track and field team concluded its 2025 season at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships, held May 2–3 at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. With competition spanning two days and featuring some of the top NAIA programs in the region, the Yellowjackets produced notable performances in the sprints and mid-distance events to close their campaign.

Senior Robert Robinson led the Yellowjackets with an eighth-place finish in the 400 meters, earning one point for Graceland with a time of 49.72 seconds. His performance placed him in the scoring column of a fast, competitive final that featured multiple sub-49 second efforts. Robinson's point was the lone scorer for the Yellowjackets and a fitting capstone to his collegiate career.

Fellow senior Paul Marchand also competed in the 400 meters and clocked a 50.11, placing 12th overall in a large field. Marchand's consistent training and tactical execution throughout the outdoor season contributed to Graceland's strength in the quarter-mile.

In the 200-meter dash preliminaries, junior Brice Taylor posted a time of 21.86 seconds, placing 13th overall out of more than 20 entrants. Taylor, who also competed in the 400 meters (50.03, 11th), narrowly missed out on qualifying for finals but provided valuable depth across both short and long sprint disciplines.

Sophomore Kaeden Monday represented the Yellowjackets in the 100-meter dash preliminaries, finishing 18th overall with a mark of 11.23 seconds. Although Monday did not advance to finals, his season-long development in the short sprints highlights his potential for future contributions.

"I'm proud of the way our men's group finished this season," said head coach Quinton Harley. "We had a small group, but they came in prepared and competed well in a strong conference. Robert scoring in the 400 is a testament to his work ethic and consistency over the last four years. Brice and Paul gave us great coverage in multiple events, and Kaeden's growth has been steady all season."

In total, Graceland scored one point in the team standings, finishing outside of the top tier in a conference dominated by Central Methodist, Park University and MidAmerica Nazarene. Despite the low team total, Harley emphasized the technical development and experience gained by his athletes.

Robinson's 400-meter scoring run came in a final that included six competitors breaking 50 seconds. The winning time of 48.16 was posted by Missouri Valley freshman Dante Gordon, who was also the 200-meter champion.

Taylor's 200-meter effort was among the deepest in the event's preliminary rounds, and he returned later in the day to clock a 50.03 in the 400 meters, showcasing Graceland's effort to double up events within a compact championship schedule.

Marchand's performance, just eight-tenths off the scoring mark, highlighted the margin required to advance in an elite meet environment. His time of 50.11 was a season best and completed a consistent senior year in which he anchored multiple relay efforts for the Yellowjackets.

In the 100 meters, Monday competed in heat two and held his form well through the line, placing 18th overall in a field of more than 20 runners. The event was won in 10.41 seconds, illustrating the strength of the top-tier Heart sprinters and the experience gained by Graceland's underclassmen in that environment.

"This group didn't back down, and I'm excited to get to work in the offseason with the returners and incoming class," Harley added. "We are building our sprint and mid-distance depth with the goal of having more scoring opportunities at the conference level next year. The culture and leadership set by this senior class will be our foundation."

Graceland did not have entries in distance or field events on the men's side at this year's championships, focusing its efforts primarily on sprint disciplines. Coach Harley noted that recruiting efforts are underway to deepen the roster in those areas for the 2026 season.

With the season officially concluded, the Yellowjackets now turn their attention to offseason strength training and fall base preparation. Harley and his staff will also focus on finalizing the recruiting class and setting internal standards as the program continues to rebuild.

Final Graceland Men's Highlights at the 2025 Heart Championships

  • Robert Robinson – 400m – 49.72 – 8th Place (1 point)

  • Brice Taylor – 200m – 21.86 – 13th Place (Prelims)

  • Brice Taylor – 400m – 50.03 – 11th Place

  • Paul Marchand – 400m – 50.11 – 12th Place

  • Kaeden Monday – 100m – 11.23 – 18th Place (Prelims)

Season Summary

The Yellowjackets close their 2025 campaign with one scorer at the conference level, multiple top-15 finishes in sprints, and positive development from returners. The focus now shifts to offseason preparation and recruitment heading into next year's competition cycle.

Graceland's season is officially concluded following the Heart of America Championships.

For more information on Graceland outdoor track and field and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.