Feb. 10, 2006
Results
NORMAL -
It was a record-setting day for the Illinois State track and field team as the women's distance medley relay team broke the school record at the Iowa State Classic in Ames, Iowa tonight.
The distance medley relay team, consisting of Betsy McDonald, Anna Lovell, Kimberli Smudde and Suzy Turner finished fourth in the event in 11:46.72 besting the previous record of 11:46.88 set in 2001.
"It was a very good day for us," said Forde. "We made a lot of improvements today and I'm also very proud of the distance medley relay team."
In the 200-meters, Lian Lucas placed 18th tying her season-best time of 24.63, while Devon Williams (24.71) and Anna Lovell (24.80) took 19th and 21st respectively, each achieving a new personal-best mark on the season.
Competing consistently all season in the long jump, Brittney Hourd placed 16th in 18-10.75. She also competed in the 60-meter hurdles and recorded a season-best time of 25.90 in the 200-meters.
On the men's side, Mark Jackson continues to make improvements each weekend in the weight throw. Jackson improved his season-best distance to 64-06.00 from 64-05.75, which he threw last weekend at the Hoosier Relays. He is still the only Redbird who has provisionally qualified in an event for the NCAA Indoor Championships. Jackson's throw of 64-06.00 earned him an eighth-place finish in the event.
Encouraged by the results of the men's 200-meter dash, Forde is looking forward to seeing the men compete in the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championships.
"I was pleased that Jeremy (Johnson) recorded a personal-best in the 200-meters," said Forde. "It was encouraging to see Max (Mkwezalamba) and Kelley (Anderson) make improvements and I'm excited to see what'll happen at the championships."
Jeremy Johnson turned in a season-best time of 21.71 for 15th place in the 200-meter dash. Maxwell Mkwezalamba (22.22) and Kelley Anderson (22.57) also recorded season-best times.
Samuel Watts competed in the long jump taking 19th with a leap of 22-09.75, while Jorge Perez jumped 19-10.25.
The Redbirds will resume competition at the Iowa State Classic Saturday morning with running events getting underway at 9:30 a.m., while the field events will follow at 11 a.m.
