“Ultimate Elation”: Pierson, Clark, Correia, Phillip Set NCAA D-III DMR Record by 5 Seconds

2/11/2022 8:11:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Ian Pierson, Caleb Correia, Garrett Clark, and Alex Phillip made history in Boston.

BOSTON -- What John Carroll Men's Track & Field did at Boston University on Friday evening is simply unfathomable.

Ian Pierson, Garrett Clark, Caleb Correia, and Alex Phillip accomplished a feat that is difficult to put into words. John Carroll's quartet set an NCAA Division III record in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) at the 2022 Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational.

And not just set. Shattered. Pierson, Clark, Correia, and Phillip clocked in at 9:41.56.

A full 5.39 seconds better than the record.

The previous mark was 9:46.95, set on February 11, 2017 by Middlebury. John Carroll's previous best? 10:11.58, set in 2006.

"As a coach, you envision and dream of doing something special like this," said Head Coach Kyle Basista. "I'm always nervous for races like this. I knew about halfway through we had a chance. But this was a pipe dream. We thought maybe on our best day we could get the record. But there are no words for this."

The race began with Ian Pierson. The senior burst out of the gates with authority. The Columbiana, Ohio native fired out to a time of 3:01.114.

"Ian is a senior, so he knows what he's doing. He put us in a great position," said Basista.

Next up was Garrett Clark. The Aurora native kept the train rolling with an absolutely amazing split of 47.087.

"Garrett's 47-flat time is simply monstrous. That was incredible," Basista said.

Taking the baton next was Caleb Correia. The youngest of the bunch, the Toledo native ran like he's never run before. The sophomore clocked in at 1:50.888, second only to Army West Point's runner.

"Caleb ran the race of his life. He's analytical, and can overthink things at times. Today, he put it together and ran exceptionally well," said Basista.

And taking it home was Alex Phillip. The Superman of NCAA Division III, reigning NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country champ, and destroyer of indoor track records, brought it home. The junior from Akron finished things off with a time of 4:02.470, with the field nipping at his heels.

"Alex closed it out so well. And he did it with the NCAA D-III mile record holder [Aidan Ryan of Williams] right behind him."

In the end, the Blue Streaks put forth a time of 9:41.56. It's a simply remarkable time.

"I saw Alex cross the line, and hugged him. I don't think I've ever been more excited in my life," said Basista. "Just mind-blowing emotions in the moment, just like Nationals. Just mind-blowing emotions."

The time is a record that will be incredibly hard to beat. And doing it on Boston's banked track with some of the best competition in the country present just makes it so much sweeter. The Blue Streaks lingered on the track for over 10 minutes after the race, soaking it all in.

"This is a special group. There's a reason these four did it today. They are some of the most hard-working kids you'll coach, and they're good people," said Basista. "I give so much credit to them. It couldn't happen to a better group of guys. This is just ultimate elation."

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