DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Black & Gold Invitational
Bernstein Opens Season with Top-Five Mark at UCF
3/20/2026 9:47:00 PM | TRACK AND FIELD
Welsh sets first outdoor vault mark, Gary adds runner-up finish
ORLANDO, Fla. – A historic mark in the pole vault and a nationally-ranked performance in the hammer throw powered DePaul track and field on the opening day of the Black & Gold Invitational Friday at the UCF Track Stadium.
The day was headlined by Alex Bernstein's performance in the hammer throw. A massive personal-best toss of 68.00m secured the event title and vaulted the Blue Demon to No. 4 in NCAA Division I (as of Friday, March 20). Jaiden Gary added to the momentum in the throws, placing second in the shot put with a mark of 17.60m after also competing in the hammer earlier in the day.
On the women's side, Katelyn Welsh delivered a milestone for the program in the pole vault. Her clearance of 3.57m established the first outdoor mark in Blue Demon history in the event, adding another chapter to her impact in the record book.
Jaiah Hopf led the long jump group with a sixth-place finish at 5.94m, while Elena Opp recorded a 44.41m throw in the hammer.
DePaul carried that momentum onto the track, where Daniel Fasasi paced the men in the 200m with a 21.33, followed by Tyce Smith at 21.55. On the women's side, Claire Dunn led a tight pack in 23.96, with Nevaeh Lowe (24.61), Nadja Moll (24.87), and Kayliah Motes (24.93) rounding out the Blue Demons' efforts to close out day one.
Black & Gold Invitational - Day One
Orlando, Fla. – UCF Soccer and Track Stadium
Friday, March 20
Men's Track and Field
Hammer Throw: 1. Alex Bernstein - 68.00m (PR, NCAA DI #4), 27. Jaiden Gary - 41.74m
Shot Put: 2. Jaiden Gary - 17.60m
200: 18. Daniel Fasasi - 21.33, 29. Tyce Smith - 21.55
Women's Track and Field
Long Jump: 6. Jaiah Hopf - 5.94m
Pole Vault: 8. Katelyn Welsh - 3.57m
Hammer Throw: 20. Elena Opp - 44.41m
200: 24. Claire Dunn - 23.96, 49. Nevaeh Lowe - 24.61, 58. Nadja Moll - 24.87, 62. Kayliah Motes - 24.93
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