DePaul's Alex Bernstein Shatters Hammer Record in Tampa

When DePaul's track and field team split up to compete at three different meets in two states on the same Friday, nobody expected they'd rewrite the record books twice in one day.

Alex Bernstein made the biggest splash in Tampa, hurling the hammer 70.62 meters to claim first place and shatter DePaul's previous program record. The throw came during the South Florida Invitational, where the Blue Demons were firing on all cylinders.

Bernstein wasn't alone in making history. The men's 4x400m relay team of Tyce Smith, Christian Ortiz-Velazquez, Denhm Holt, Daniel Fasasi, and Harper Bryan crossed the finish line in 3:08.60, setting another program record while taking first place.

Demetrius Rolle added another win to DePaul's Tampa tally, blazing through the 100 meters in 10.31 seconds. Jaiden Gary grabbed second in the shot put with a 17.55-meter throw, while Fasasi rounded out the podium finishes with a third-place 400-meter run.

Back in Illinois at the Chicagoland Championships, Cole Tupper dominated the 5,000 meters with a winning time of 15:02.79. Caleb Schulz led the 100-meter prelims at 10.78, with teammate Alexander Long-Craine close behind in fourth.

The women's team also delivered strong performances across venues. Katelyn Welsh vaulted to second place in the pole vault at 3.71 meters, while Jaiah Hopf took third in the long jump with a 5.91-meter leap in Miami.

Why This Inspires

Breaking one program record is remarkable, but smashing two on the same day while competing hundreds of miles apart shows the depth of talent and dedication across DePaul's entire track program. These athletes pushed past previous limits while their teammates cheered from different time zones, proving that excellence is contagious.

The performances also highlight how college athletes balance incredible physical demands with logistical challenges, representing their school with pride whether competing in their home state or across the country.

When athletes like Bernstein step into the throwing circle or relay teams line up at the starting blocks, they're not just competing for themselves but carrying the hopes of every Blue Demon who came before them and blazed the trail they're now extending.

DePaul's historic Friday proves that when you spread opportunity wide and trust your athletes, they'll rise to meet the moment in ways that surprise even their biggest supporters.