The St. Lawrence University men's track and field team opened the AARTFC Championships on Friday, highlighted by a podium finish from Patrick Russell in the 5,000-meter run.

Russell delivered one of the Saints' top performances of the season, finishing as the runner-up in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 14:53.65 to earn a second-place finish and a spot on the championship podium.

Erik Marelli turned in a personal-best effort in the 60-meter hurdles prelims, clocking an 8.37 to set a new PR. Marelli finished 15th in the preliminary round.

St. Lawrence will continue competition Saturday at the AARTFC Championships.