Bruce posts third best NCAA time in 5k in California

STANFORD, Calif. — Senior Jack Bruce took a trip out to California with one goal, lay down a solid time in the 5,000-meters at the Payton Jordan Invite.

Bruce not only finished with a solid time in the event but cracked the top-10 in program history with his time of 13:28.57 finishing 14th-overall in a field full of quality opponents.

“That wasn’t a fool around race last night,” said coach Chris Bucknam. “The competition was outstanding; there were a lot of guys in that race. I didn’t count them all but it looked like there were over 25 entries. I’m just happy that Jack [Bruce] came out with a good result.

“He stuck his nose in there and ran very smart. His last 600-meters looked good, this is only his second real race this year, he opened up with a 3:39 [1,500-meters] and now he’s run 13:28 the seventh-fastest time in program history.

“I think he’s in a really good spot, I don’t think he played all his cards, he ran extremely smart by not going out too fast and getting caught up in the pace. His performance was well worth the trip.

“I’m proud of him and now it’s on to the conference meet.”

Bruce’s time is not only the No. 7 time in program history but is currently No. 3 in the NCAA and No. 1 in the SEC.