Notre Dame, Ind. - The Marian men's track and field team began their 2023-24 season on Friday night in Northern Indiana, as Blake Hipkiss and Olivier Lifrange represented the Knights at the Notre Dame Blue and Gold Invitational. Blake Hipkiss had a strong start, earning NAIA B standard marks in his first meet of the year.

Olivier Lifrange competed in the 400m in his opening meet of the season, finishing fifth overall in a field of 20 finishers. Lifrange finished fourth of five in his heat, turning in a time of 49.22 seconds. Lifrange's time was just 0.01 seconds off of the 2023 season NAIA B standard mark and 0.12 seconds off the 2024 B mark.

Blake Hipkiss ran in the 3000m to begin his season, still riding strong off the training from his cross country season. Hipkiss finished eighth overall in the race and turned in a strong time of 8:34.87, hitting the NAIA B standard to become Marian's first NAIA National Qualifier of the season. His time in the event is the third fastest in his career.

The Knights will continue the season on Saturday, December 2, as a group of athletes will begin their seasons at the UIndy Scott Fangman Invitational.

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