PRINCETON, N.J.—Several members of the Villanova distance group were in action during Saturday night's distance carnival that was part of the Sam Howell Invitational at Princeton. One of the highlights of the evening for the Wildcats was the collegiate debut of freshman Dan Watcke (Hinsdale, Ill.) who ran a strong race in the 800 meters. Villanova also had athletes competing in the 1500 meters, the 5000 meters and the 10000 meters at Weaver Stadium to close out the holiday weekend.
 
Watcke joined the Wildcats roster at the start of the Spring 2024 semester and redshirted the indoor season before running his first official collegiate race on Saturday night. He recorded a time of 1:48.70 in the elite section of the 800 meters and was the runner-up out of two dozen competitors in the event. Watcke was a gold medalist in the 800 meters last summer at the Pan American U20 Championships in Puerto Rico and is a two-time USATF U20 bronze medalist.
 
Fifth year middle distance runner Jamie Moreland (Los Angeles, Calif.) also made his Villanova debut in Saturday's meet. Previously a Division III All-American in the mile at nearby Haverford, Moreland ran the 1500 meters in the Sam Howell meet and recorded a time of 3:56.17. Sixth year collegian Jack Fredian (Arlington Heights, Ill.) opened his outdoor campaign by winning his heat with a time of 3:57.66.
 
Later in the evening junior Cole Walker (Chadds Ford, Pa.) and sixth year runner Henry Myers (Portland, Ore.) were in action in the 5K and the 10K, respectively. Walker recorded a time of 15:04.99 in the unseeded section of the 5000 meters and Myers registered a mark of 31:00.28 in the 10000 meters.
 
Villanova returns to action next week with competition at Miami and Penn.