FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.- The Ave Maria University track and field teams continued their spring season on Saturday, heading across Alligator Alley for the Nova Southeastern University Shark Invitational in Fort Lauderdale. The Gyrenes ended the day with seven gold medals, led by a dominant performance from All-American Caitlyn O'Brien. 

The Shark Invitational proved to be a showcase for former national champion Caitlyn O'Brien, who showed why she figures to be a factor in the heptathlon come May. The senior competed in six events, winning three gold medals and two silver medals. O'Brien was the overall winner in the 100 hurdles, the high jump, and the long jump, with her 100 hurdles time of 14.13 seconds hitting the NAIA "B" standard. She also added silver medals in the shot put and the javelin.

The Gyrene women picked up four medals in other events, led by a top finish from senior Madison Thomas in the 3000 meter steeplechase. Thomas posted a time of 11:52.6, which currently ranks 12th in the nation and first in The Sun Conference. Regina Baird (5000 meters) and Molly From (high jump) added silver medal performances, while Claire Hermann took home the bronze in the 5000 meters.

Ave Maria's took two spots on the podium in two different men's events, taking gold and silver in the steeplechase, as well as gold and bronze in the 5000 meters. David Giles and John Halvorsen went 1-2 in the steeplechase, with both runners posting times that rank in the top 20 in the nation and rank as the top two times in the conference. In the 5000 meters, Donovan Mattson took first place, with Connor Coyle following in third.

The last of Ave Maria's gold medals at Nova Southeastern was provided by freshman Brady Gerken, who hit a mark of 1.87 meters to win the high jump. Samuel Todzia also placed on the podium with a third place finish in the javelin, while the Gyrene 4x400 meter relay team of Joseph Flynn, Benjamin Freeze, Daniel Kupcho, and Luke Petitt added to the medal haul with a third place finish of their own. 

The Gyrenes have one final tune-up on the schedule before The Sun Conference Championships in Lakeland at the end of the month. Ave Maria will compete in two weeks at the HBCU Relays Experience in Miramar before heading to Polk County on April 25 and 26 for The Sun Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships.