A number of first-place finishes led to a team win by the Illinois State womens track and field squad, which recorded a score of 155 at the Gatorade Classic, hosted by Southeast Missouri State.
Tori Gaumer recorded a first-place finish in the pole vault after an 11foot jump, while Marcia Johnson finished close behind with a pole vault of 10-6, good enough for second in the event. Betsy McDonald ran a season-best 4:36.41 in the mile run to take first-place, while Laura Kennedy recorded a personal best 4:37.84 to earn third in the same event.
Lian Lucas was a winner in two events, recording a conference-leading 24.33 in the 200 meter dash, after contributing to a win in the 4x400 relay with teammates Lyn Cox, Cherise Devers and Lindsey Arnold which finished in 3:49.81. Head coach Elvis Forde was pleased with the efforts on the womens side of the meet.
It was exciting to see the girls run today, said Forde. I was happy to see them perform at the level they did, with several getting personal and season bests. Overall, it was a good days performance by our womens team.
On the mens side Rhett Hillard earned a first-place finish in the shot-put after recording a personal best 59-3/4 throw, while Dan Tripp ran a 3:52.11 in the 1,500 meter run to earn first-place honors as well. Bronco Meeks won the 800 meter run in a time of 1:52.55, while Kelley Anderson recorded a second-place 100 meter dash performance with a time of 10.80.
It was good to see Rhett get a new personal best in the shot put, said Forde. Overall, though, we still have some work to do on the mens side. As the season progresses Im confident well see improvement.
Illinois State returns home April 9 for the first of two home events with the Redbird Classic.
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