Christian Goy, Stacia Beste and Kathrine Nielsen will represent Illinois State at the 2001 NCAA Outdoor Championships May 30-June 2 in Eugene Ore. Goy will be competing in the mens 1,500 meters, while Beste will run in the womens 10,000 meters. Nielsen will take part in both the womens heptathlon and the high jump.
Goy established a school record in the 1,500 meters with a 3:42.19 run at the Cardinal Invitational April 1 in Palo Alto, Calif. Goys 1,500 time was the 10th best time in the nation this season, and tops in the Missouri Valley Conference. He claimed the 1,500 meter title at the Valley Outdoor Championships for the third straight year.
Christian has been very consistent from cross country to the indoor season and through the outdoors, head coach Jeff Pigg said. Hes been here before is looking forward to lining up and running with some of the same crowd.
Beste established a new personal best time of 34:33.56 at Cardinal Invite and won the Valley title in the 10,000 meters. A two-time academic All-American, Beste turned in the 20th best time in the nation this season.
This is Stacias first time at the NCAAs and its a great experience for her, Pigg said. Shes had a great year and has had some great workouts.
Nielsen set a Redbird record when she cleared 5-11 1/2 in the high jump at the 2001 Valley Outdoor Championships to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Nielsens jump is tied for the eighth best in the nation. Also competing in the heptathlon, Nielsen has won consecutive Valley titles in the event and finished eighth in the event at the NCAA Outdoor Championships last season.
Kathrine came last year and had a very successful meet, Pigg said. Shes in good shape and is really running well and jumping well. Watching her put those together will be very exciting. Shes had a great senior year.
Pigg believes the trio already has had a great season.
I think our athletes will do a great job this weekend, Pigg said. Well line up, compete hard and let the chips fall into place, and we wont be disappointed with the outcome.
Goy competes first for the Redbirds in the semifinals of the mens 1,500 meters at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, May 31. Beste will also compete on Thursday, running in the womens 10,000 meters at 9:50 p.m. Nielsen will participate in the heptathlon on both Friday and Saturday. Fridays events kickoff with the 100 meter hurdles at 4 p.m. while Saturday begins at 4 p.m. with the long jump. Nielsen is also scheduled to compete in the high jump at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
