AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific opened the prestigious Bryan Clay Invitational with a record-chasing evening on the track, headlined by a historic run from Jared Wright and a top-tier steeplechase showing from Jessica Kampman.

Wright etched his name into the Cougar history books by becoming just the fifth APU athlete to break the 30-minute barrier in the 10,000 meters. Clocking a 29:51.50, Wright is now the fifth-fastest Cougar all-time in the event—and the first in the program's NCAA era to accomplish the feat. His performance also marked the first sub-30 showing since Abednego Magut (2010).

In the women's 3000m steeplechase, Jessica Kampman delivered a career-best effort, finishing 26th out of a deep field of 99 competitors with a time of 10:31.78. The mark shaved four seconds off her previous personal best and further cemented her position at No. 2 all-time in APU history, trailing only Brianna Carstensen's 2005 record of 10:28.24.

Meanwhile, Felix Perrier made his long-awaited Cougar debut in the men's 10,000 meters, crossing the line in 31:17.29 in his first race in the maroon and black.

Day one set the tone for what promises to be an electric weekend of competition as Cougars from all event groups continue action at Cougar Stadium.