After competing in the triple jump for only the third time this season, Illinois State senior Lauren Maul broke the school record in the triple jump with a leap of 41-8 3/4 at the 2005 NCAA Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, Calif., Friday evening. Maul failed to qualify for the finals in the event, but broke the school record by over two feet.
Head track and field coach Elvis Forde was pleased with Maul's performance, especially with her breaking the school record.
"I was happy that Lauren broke the school record," said Forde. "I would have liked to see her break 42 feet in the event, but this was a great experience for her."
Maul's specialty is in the high jump and long jump, but she competed in the triple jump at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships placing sixth. She also competed in the triple jump for the second time this season at the NCAA Mideast Regional recording a jump of 41-4 1/2.
"Lauren had only competed in the triple jump twice before the national meet," said Forde. "Her specialty is in the high jump and long jump but we knew she was capable of doing well in the triple. This is just an extra bonus for her."
The previous record, set by Redbird assistant coach LaShawna Mapp in 1999, stood at 41-6 1/2.
Now that the season is completed for the Redirds, Forde will take some time to hit the recruiting trail in preparation for next season.
"This has been a long season for us," added Forde. "We'll take some time now for rest and relaxation and get busy on the recruiting trail for next year."
