Cullowhee, N.C. (April 16, 2009) --- Milligan College's track and field team kicked off the Western Carolina Invitational by sweeping both the men's and women's 10,000-meter races on Thursday night. The meet continues into Friday and also serves as the AAC Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Sophomore Lili Zaldana (Bristol, Tenn.) took down the national A standard and the conference record in her debut performance of 38:28. Senior Emily Schmitt (Avon, Ind.) finished second.

In the men's race freshman Austin Ellis (Charlottesville, Va.) just missed the national B standard but picked up the win with a time of 32:27. Senior Wegene Degefa (Rochester, N.Y.) was second, followed by teammate Will Frye (Pulaski, Va.) in third. All three Buffs recorded lifetime bests.

Both squads will be back in action tomorrow with a full schedule of events slated to take place.