Deja Vu: Records fall as Augusta distance runners shine at Bryan Clay Invitational

By Jaxon Garner | Editor in Chief

AZUSA, CA—Late Thursday night, Avery Jaynes broke both the Augusta University school record and the Peach Belt Conference record in the 5000-meter event at the prestigious Bryan Clay Invitational, hosted by Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. Jaynes clocked a blazing time of 13:51.61, building on his impressive performance not even a month prior at the Raleigh Relays, where he shattered the program’s 10,000-meter record.

With Thursday’s result, Jaynes now meets the NCAA Division II provisional qualifying marks in both the 5K and 10K, positioning himself for a potential Nationals appearance—though final selections won’t be confirmed until early May.

Jaynes wasn’t the only Jaguar making headlines in California.

Emily McBride warming up before her race at the Raleigh Relays (Photo by Churchill Ezeokonkwo / AU Athletics). Top of the screen: Avery Jaynes (middle) during his race at the Raleigh Relays (Photo by Churchill Ezeokonkwo / AU Athletics).

Emily McBride broke her own school record in the 3000-meter steeplechase, clocking a time of 10:41.28 in a loaded field of over 90 runners spanning NCAA Divisions I and II. Facing competition from elite programs like BYU, Texas, LSU, Iowa State, Boise State, and Purdue, McBride placed 47th overall in an event known for world-class performances, an electric atmosphere, and ideal racing conditions.

McBride later returned to the track for the 5000-meter event, posting a strong 17:54.18 against another stacked field that included athletes from Louisville, UC Davis, Arkansas State, Montana State, and New Mexico. Her back-to-back performances underscore her versatility and resilience as one of Augusta’s top distance runners.

Also making waves for Augusta was Madison Kennedy, who delivered a gutsy run in the 10,000 meters. Kennedy crossed the line in 37:08.13—just seconds shy of the school record—in a field that featured top talent from LSU, Oklahoma, Grand Valley State, and Texas Tech. Her performance ranks among the best in program history and further establishes her as a key contributor for the Jaguars.

The Bryan Clay Invitational annually draws national champions, All-Americans, and Olympic hopefuls, making it one of the most competitive meets in the country each spring. Augusta’s distance squad rose to the occasion, delivering some of the best individual performances the program has ever seen.

Next up, the majority of the Jaguar track & field team will head to Atlanta for the Georgia Tech Invitational, taking place April 18–19.

Contact Jaxon Garner at jaxgarner@augusta.edu