May 30, 2008
Results
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -
Illinois State track and field's Devon Williams efforts in the 100- meter dash were not enough to advance her to the finals, as the 2008 Missouri Valley Conference 100 and 200 champion finalized her ISU sprinting career during the first day of the 2008 NCAA Mideast Region Track and Field Championships, held in Fayetteville, Ark., at the John McDonnell Field Friday.
The Oswego, Ill., native posted a time of 11.78 in the 100 to place fourth in her heat and 17th overall.
ISU assistant track and field coach Tim Thompson was disappointed that the day did not go any better for the senior sprinters, however was pleased with their efforts.
"We were competing against the best of the best," said Thompson. "This is one of the toughest regions to compete in. Even though we didn't advance I still think that our women sprinters had a great year. Today just didn't go our way, the relay had a couple of bad hand off and Devon didn't get a great start out of the blocks in the 100."
The women's 4x100-meter relay squad of seniors Anna Lovell, Melissa Clarke, Kyndra Curtin and Williams placed 15th as it crossed the finish line in 46.32.
Junior Samantha Springer took 27th in the hammer throw launching a distance of 169 feet, 02 inches, then in the discus placed 16th with a toss of 156-2 out of a field of 33 competitors.
"Sam struggled in the hammer, but she really did well in the discus," said assistant throws coach Jeff Chakouian. "She gave a good effort and had a pretty good throw in the discus and placed high in her flight."
Competing tomorrow for the Redbirds is senior Anton Walczak in the hammer throw and senior Alex Straughn in the triple jump. The men's hammer throw is slated to start competition at 11 a.m., Saturday.
