SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- Bates senior Ryan Nealis recorded a personal-best time in the 1,500 meters on Thursday in likely his final race as a Bobcat, competing at the Tufts National Qualifying Meet.

Nealis (London, England) ran the race in 3:53.82, second behind Nate Lentz of Williams (3:51.91) in a field of 12 runners. The time moved Nealis from eight to sixth place in team history in the event. The one-time All-American ran his previous PR in the 1,500 at the Tufts Invitational on May 8; he ranked 10th in Bates history in the event heading into this season. Nealis rose to 48th in the national Division III rankings with his performance.

Bates sophomore Liam Byrne (Ridgefield, Conn.) was Nealis's lone teammate who also competed at the meet. Attempting to improve upon his season-best mark of 144'5" in the discus throw, Byrne came up short, placing second among five competitors at 136'5".

Bates senior John Rex (Andover, Mass.) will represent the Bobcats competing in the hammer throw at the final meet of the year, the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, to be held May 27-29 at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, N.C.