April 27, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Sophomore Samantha Springer will look to add another NCAA Regional qualifying mark to her resume when the Illinois State track and field teams host the Redbird Invitational Saturday. Springer leads the `Birds into competition at Redbird Outdoor Track, beginning at 9 a.m. with the women's hammer throw.
The Redbird Invitational will serve as another outlet for teams to compete as the Drake Relays, which is also being held this weekend, is an invitation-only meet. Schools that will send members of their teams to compete include Marquette, Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, Olivet Nazarene, St. Louis, Illinois Wesleyan, Illinois, DePaul and Bradley.
Head coach Elvis Forde believes that the invitational will allow another opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate its athletes in preparation for the upcoming State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships.
"I think this weekend will give our kids, as well as the other schools, another chance to compete," said Forde. "From a coaching standpoint, we will look for our kids to improve as we prepare for the MVC Championships. We will stay at home this weekend and give those who didn't travel to the Drake Relays as much attention as possible.
"I think it's also a bonus to be at home, because it brings an excitement to the competition. It will give our athletes an advantage because they will feel comfortable being in a familiar setting."
Springer had an outstanding performance at last weekend's Vanderbilt Invitational, setting three new personal-best marks in the shot put, discus and hammer throws. The Tremont, Ill., native won the discus, tossing a distance of 162-07 feet and beating accomplished throwers Brittany Riley (Southern Illinois) and Sarah Robles (Alabama). Springer finished third in the hammer with a throw of 174-07 ft., besting her old personal mark by five feet. Springer's hammer and discus throws also put her in third place all-time in Illinois State history.
Springer added her third personal-best in the shot put, throwing a distance of 46-00.50 ft. and finishing in sixth overall. She was also second among collegiate participants in the event. After the weekend's accomplishments, Springer moved into 6th place among throwers in ISU's region.
Junior Alex Straughn also hit his first NCAA Regional qualifying mark of the outdoor season at Vanderbilt, tying for first in the high jump by clearing a height of 6-10.75 ft. Straughn, who was named the Valley's Male Field Co-Athlete of the Week, will be joined by the throwing group.
Junior Anton Walczak, sophomore Blake Gish, junior Nick Chumbley, junior Joe Painter and junior Bryan Chancellor will face some stiff competition in the throws, as current Redbird assistant coach and former six-time NCAA all-American Jeff Chakouian will be entering the meet as an unattached individual. Chakouian, who has also competed in numerous as well as prestigious international competitions, will be challenging his team in the shot put.
"I feel it will be really beneficial for our athletes to see coach Chakouian compete this weekend," said Forde. "They will be able to see the high level that he competes at, which will give them a boost as they will want to try to match his effort."
Results from Saturday's meet will posted on GoRedbirds.com after the completion of the event.
