Latisha Johnson's first-place finish in the shot put along with Miklos Konkoly's first-place run in the 800 meters and Jeremy Doherty's win of the 1,500 meters all highlighted Redbird Track and Field as the 'Birds competed in the prestigious Alabama Relays in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday.
Johnson, a native of Jacksonville, Ill., tossed the shot put 48-10, beating out three Alabama throwers for top honors. Natalie Kinion of the host Crimson Tide took home second-place honors with a 48-08.25 toss.
Konkoly was one of three Redbirds to place in the top four of the 800 meter race. With a season-best time of 1;51.75, Konkoly crossed the finish line first followed by Redbirds Bronco Meeks in third place and Dan Tripp who crossed the line fourth.
Doherty's time of 3:53.58 in the 1,500 meters was the best time in the event as the freshman was the third 'Bird of the day to win his/her event. Other notable Redbird finishes in the running events from Saturday include Diana Ainsley' ninth-place in the 1,500 meters, Andrea Black's 20th-place finish in the 800 and Kelli Schulte's fourth-place finish in the 5,000 meters.
On the men's side, Allan Kipchoge was ninth in the 5,000 meters and Mark Jackson finished 12th in the men's hammer throw. Tyler Gaumer was fifth in the pole vault while his sister, Tori, was fourth in the same event for the women.
The Alabama Relays conclude on Sunday with the relays wrapping up the running events and the conclusion of the field events.
