AUSTIN, Texas – Johnathon Sawyer set a school record in the 400m that could be around for decades as he ran a 45.35 in the finals to win the event for the Southeastern Louisiana track and field team during Saturday's final day of the Texas Relays.

Sawyer, a senior, broke James Benson II's school record set just two days prior of 46.05. Sawyer, running in his home town of Austin, edged UTEP's Sean Bailey (45.46) for the title. Benson II finished third running 46.12.

Saturday's performance earned Sawyer a top 5 combined time in the nation in the 400m behind Tennessee's Christopher Bailey (45.25).

"It's amazing how well Johnathon ran," said SLU track and field head coach Corey Mistretta. "That was his third 400 of the weekend so for him to put that kind of performance together this early in the season is remarkable. And James was fantastic as well coming back and repeating his performance from Thursday, so it's exciting to see what our 400 guys can do as the season."

Parker McBride and Thomas Daigle were also in action in the 800m earlier in the day. Daigle set a personal best of 1:52.52 in the event while McBride just missed a new high mark running 1:52.57.

SLU will continue preparation for the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships as they are scheduled to compete next weekend in the Florida Relays Thursday-Saturday.

PODIUM CLUB/S CLUB                                                         
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the track and field program are encouraged to join the Podium Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Podium Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern track and field program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Track and Field, follow @LionUpTrack and @CoreyMistretta on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube. channel.
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net/tickets. Southeastern is implementing mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets for the 2020-21 season. All tickets will be available via e-mail in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.