The Redbird men's and women's track and field teams divided and conquered Friday, competing at the Stanford Invitational, San Francisco State Distance Carnival, and Eastern Illinois' Big Blue Classic. Between the three meets, the 'Birds posted four ISU all-time top-10 performances and numerous personal-bests.
STANFORD, Calif. - At the Stanford Invitational, Jack Anstey continued his magnificent start to the 2018 outdoor campaign. Running in the 1,500-meter against some of the stiffest competition in the country, Anstey ran a personal-record time of 3:43.22 to finish third in his section.
Not only is this mark one of the best in the country, but it ranks second on Illinois State's top-10 list. The only person who stands between Anstey and the 1,500-meter school record is Redbird great Christian Goy.
HAYWARD, Calif. - At the San Francisco State Distance Carnival, Kyle Mattes, Grace Beattie, and Connor Ehnle etched their names on Illinois State's top-10 list.
Mattes was the first to hit the track on Friday morning, competing in the hot-heat of the 10,000-meter run. In his 2018 outdoor debut, Mattes finished seventh out of 109 runners with a personal-best time of 29:33.52. His time not only broke the San Francisco State Distance Carnival meet record, but also ranks seventh all-time in ISU history.
Beattie and Ehnle captured impressive performances of their own in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Beattie crossed the finish line in a personal-best 10:29.97, placing third among 55 runners. She now sits seventh on ISU's top-10 list. Ehnle also posted a personal-record, clocking in at 9:08.69 to finish 17th in a field of 82 student-athletes. His mark is currently eighth all-time in Redbird track & field history.
"I am beyond proud of the group of student-athletes that competed in California today," said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Bovee. "Jack [Anstey] gave a phenomenal effort, and Kyle [Mattes], Grace [Beattie], and Connor [Ehnle] all captured personal-bests. It was truly a fantastic day."
CHARLESTON, Ill. - On the first day of the Big Blue Classic, hosted by Eastern Illinois, the 'Birds tallied six personal-best performances and two individual event wins.
"We had a great start to the Big Blue Classic," said Bovee. "There were a lot of solid performances here today, and we will look to come back just as strong tomorrow on day two."
J.D. LaFayette and Brandy Thomas both won their respective events. Competing in his first 1,500-meter run of the season, LaFayette was the first to finish in 3:58.82. Thomas won the shot put for the second consecutive week, recording a winning-throw of 14.82m (48-07.50).
Other Notable Performances
Women's 1,500-meter
2nd - Phoebe Clowser (4:46.75)
3rd - Annie Moore (4:47.03), personal-record
Women's 5,000-meter
2nd - Ashley England (17:26.42)
3rd - Erica Brown (17:26.49), personal-record
Women's 400-meter Hurdles
3rd - Jordyn Bruce (1:02.19)
Women's Long Jump
2nd - Kameesha Smith (5.75m/18-10.50)
Women's Shot Put
3rd - Kassie Hoyme (14.03m/46-00.50)
Men's 1,500-meter
3rd - Kimathi Johnson (4:00.40), personal-best
Men's 400-meter Hurdles
2nd - Michael Jopes (55.41)
Action will resume tomorrow morning at the Big Blue Classic at 9:30 a.m. with the women's discus. Running events are slated to follow at 11:30 a.m.
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