AZUSA, Calif. – The trip was worth every mile for Eastern Oregon's Justin Ash. Competing late into the night at one of the nation's most elite distance meets, the senior distance runner made history at the Bryan Clay Invitational hosted by Azusa Pacific University.

Despite not stepping on the track until 11:16 p.m., Ash delivered a historic performance in the men's 10,000 meters, breaking a 44-year-old school record with a time of 29:31.01. The previous EOU record of 29:50.67 had been held by Mountaineer Hall of Famer Don Stearns since 1981.

Ash was one of just two NAIA athletes in a stacked field loaded with top NCAA Division I competition. Last night's mark currently ranks as the second best time among NAIA athletes so far this season.

The rest of the Eastern Oregon track and field team will compete across a variety of meets this weekend, including the Oregon Open, Larry Byerly Invite, and CCC Multi-Event Championships.