TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The University of Evansville senior Joey Rucinski (Ft. Wayne, Ind./Concordia Lutheran) and freshman Preston Riggs (Ft. Branch, Ind./Gibson Southern) combined to post four personal-best marks on Thursday on the first day of action at the Gibson Invitational in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Competing in the first five events of the decathlon, Rucinski set new personal-best marks in the long jump (5.97 meters) and the 400-meter dash (53.24), while Riggs established new standards in the long jump (6.25 meters) and shot put (7.98 meters).  Rucinski also won the decathlon's shot put competition with a throw of 11.93 meters, while finishing second in the 400-meters.  Riggs, meanwhile, placed third in both the 100-meters (11.72) and long jump competitions.

"Four PR marks on the first day of competition is a great way to start the meet," said UE head coach Don Walters.  "Both Joey and Preston did a great job today.  Not only did they set four PR marks, but they were close to setting other personal-best marks as well."

Overall, Rucinski ranks third in the decathlon standings with 2,998 points, with Riggs ranking fifth with 2,796 points.  Both men are currently on pace to surpass the school record mark in the decathlon, which is 4,679 points, set by Rucinski in 2019.

The remainder of the decathlon will take place on Friday, on the second day of action at the Gibson Invitational.  Friday's action will begin at 9 a.m. central time in Terre Haute.