Latisha Johnson has made a name for herself in the Illinois State and Missouri Valley Conference track and field record books this season.
The Jacksonville, Ill., native not only broke her own school and conference record in the shot put during the NCAA Mideast Regional Saturday, but she also extended her season by qualifying for the national meet in Austin, Texas on June 9-12. Her throw of 53-1 3/4 broke her old record of 52-6 1/2 and was good enough for fifth place on the day.
She (Johnson) was throwing very well in warm-ups and we knew she was ready to go, assistant coach for throws Brent Chumbley said. Were just thrilled and excited right now and planning the trip to Austin.
Johnson hit the record-breaking mark on her sixth and final throw.
Going into this meet I was a little nervous, Johnson said. The other girls were throwing well and I just wanted to come out and hit a mark.
In other events, Lian Lucas competed in the finals of the 100-meter dash, taking eighth with a time of 11.62. Andrea Mosher also took part in the finals Saturday, placing ninth in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 58.39, a season best for the sophomore from Fenton, Mich.
Andreas time was a lifetime best, assistant coach Chris Bailey said. She got off to a better start this time and that was the reason for her PR.
However, both Mosher and Lucas did not qualify for nationals, nor did the 4x400 relay team of Cherise Devers, Lindsey Arnold, Lucas and Mosher. Their time of 3:49.83 was good enough for 11th place on the day.
We had very good representation this year and hopefully next year will be able to send even more kids to the regional meet, Bailey said.
