WALNUT, CALIF. -- Drake senior Jeff Grassmeyer (Fremont, Neb.) ran a personal best and Missouri Valley Conference leading time in the 5,000-meter run Friday night at the Mt. SAC Relays.

Grassmeyer finished eighth out of 34 runners in the race in 14 minutes 14.77 seconds. Western Kentucky's Deus Rwaherus won the race in 14:05.90.

"It was the first time this outdoor season that I've been able to run under great conditions," said Grassmeyer. "I knew it would be a good race. I wanted to get out quick with the leaders and then stay relaxed. It worked out well."

Grassmeyer had owned the previous conference best time in the 5,000 of 14:25.20 set at the Stanford Invitational March 26.

"i gained a lot of confidence from that meet in Sanford," Grassmeyer said.

"Jeff ran a smart, controlled race," added Drake assistant track and field coach Dan Hostager.