The Illinois State track and field team qualified another event for NCAA Regionals during Fridays Drake Relays.
The 4x400-relay team of Lindsey Arnold, Lian Lucas, Cherise Devers and Andrea Mosher will travel to Baton Rouge, La., next month after achieving a qualifying time of 3:43.02. The time was also a school record.
Most of the girls were here since 9 oclock this morning and Im sure the long day drained them a bit, but I knew they wanted to qualify, Illinois State track and field head coach Elvis Forde said. They (relay team) gave a very strong effort and I think that they will continue to improve.
Mosher also had a decent showing in the 400-meter hurdles, finishing sixth with a time of 59.63, her best of the season.
Im happy for Andrea, Forde said. She is a key component of the relay teams, and I think she will get better once she gets completely healthy.
Other womens results included Laura Kennedys ninth place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (11:11.51), while Latisha Johnson threw a mark of 48-10 in the shot put.
On the mens side, Dan Tripp, Miklos Konkoly, Bronco Meeks and Gabe Cruz came in fifth in the 4x800-relay, finishing with a time of 7:26.88.
The Drake Relays will conclude tomorrow with Jeremy Doherty competing in the 1,500-meter run, and Miklos Konkoly in the 800-meter run.
This is a big stage for Miklos and Jeremy and I think they will take advantage of the opportunity, Forde said. Theyre both capable of running a fast race.
The mens and womens sprint medleys will also take place tomorrow.
Im not terribly disappointed with how we did today, Forde said. I realize we were on an emotional high last weekend and its affecting us in some way, shape or form. But, were doing quite well under the circumstances and well come back tomorrow and perform at a high level.
For complete results, log onto the Drake Relays web site at www.drakerelays.com.
