Houser produces fastest all-time collegiate performance on oversized track, elevates to No. 4 competitor in NCAA indoor history, leading 15 athletes to sub-4 efforts; Hiltz runs 2:34.09 in 1,000, Thomas wins women’s 800 in 2:00.95, with Hana Moll and Stefanidi both clearing 15-2.75 (4.64m) in pole vault

By Mary Albl for DyeStat

Photos by John Decker and Kim Spir

SEATTLE — Exactly a year ago, Luke Houser’s 3:55.98 mile was part of an historic race that saw eight University of Washington men break the four-minute barrier at the Dempsey Indoor Facility.

Saturday afternoon, a year later at the inaugural “Mile City” showcase, Houser was the headliner of more history.

The local Husky from Woodinville, Wash., was the top dog in the men’s fast section of the mile, putting together a personal-best time of 3:51.73, in addition to a facility and meet record.

RESULTS | EVENT VIDEOS | INTERVIEWS | PHOTOS by Kim Spir

Houser’s time is also ranked No. 4 in collegiate history on any indoor surface, including the fastest on a flat track.

“Obviously it’s a super cool time, but I just came out and wanted to run hard and I knew if I ran hard the time would come,” Houser said. “I’m happy I was able to execute.”

Houser’s performance was the highlight of two elite sections of “Mile City” that featured 15 men running under four minutes.

Brandon Kidder of the Brooks Beasts was second in 3:53.09, followed by three UW runners crossing the line. Joe Waskom was third (3:53.64), Nathan Green finished fourth in 3:53.74, and Ronan McMahon-Staggs was fifth in 3:54.61. 

Washington teammate Leo Daschbach was 10th, also going under four (3:58.18).

“It’s always special being at the Dempsey just because you cross the finish line and a second later you’re seeing all your teammates, my parents are here, and a ton of friends. It’s awesome to be here,” Houser said.

In the women’s mile, Jenn Randall was the top finisher in 4:32.17, with Alicja Konieczek clocking 4:32.73. Washington’s Sophie O’Sullivan was the top collegiate finisher in third, running 4:35.63.

Two weeks after running a meet record in the mile, Washington’s Carley Thomas was back in her niche, the 800. Paced by Lululemon professional athlete Nikki Hiltz, Thomas cruised to a meet and facility record of 2:00.95.

“They paced it beautifully,” Thomas said of Hiltz. “It’s exciting, I’m pretty keen to race (the 800) again, I think there’s a lot more in the tank. It’s a nice opener.”

Hiltz and Australian competitor Jessica Hull, representing Nike, provided the early excitement Saturday to open up the invitational portion of the meet.

No strangers to competing against one another on a multitude of levels and events, they opened up their indoor season in a fast 1,000-meter race.

“I was just going to do Millrose (Games) as my opener, but a couple weeks ago, Maurica (Powell), she was my coach at Oregon, was like, ‘Hey, Jess is coming and ripping a fast 1K if you want something before Millrose? And I was like, ‘Yeah, I want to do that,’” Hiltz said.

As expected, Hull, who was also coached by Powell at Oregon, took it out hard, leading for a majority of the race, but Hiltz’s speed factored in as they powered down the last 100 straightaway to pass Hull and collect the victory in 2:34.09. Hull was right behind in 2:34.71.

Hiltz’s winning time was under the American record of 2:34.19 set in 2004 by Jennifer Toomey, but the time must be on a 200-meter track for record purposes. Hiltz’s time is recognized as the fastest time on an oversized track.

“The time is great, but I think how I felt was even better,” Hiltz said. “I felt so smooth and relaxed. I’ve had some good workouts that indicate I’m in good 800 shape and it was just a fun challenge.”

In the field, the women’s pole vault featured a star-studded lineup that saw Katerina Stefanidi of Greece, the 2016 Olympic champion, and Washington freshman Hana Moll both clear 15 feet, 2.75 inches (4.64m). Moll prevailed on fewer attempts.

Moll’s mark was an indoor PR for her and ranked No. 5 all-time among collegiate competitors indoors. Moll just missed clearing 15-6.25 (4.73m) on her second attempt.

“I really feel like I had it,” she said with a smile. “It's a great way to start my year.”

In total, more than 500 individuals ranging from elite, high school, and local community members took part in the “Mile City” event that concluded Saturday evening.