RESULTS
DES MOINES, Iowa. – Illinois State men's and women's track and field teams concluded day one of the 107th Drake Relays at Jim Duncan Track with the men's 4x1,600-meter relay squad of Aidan Askin, Kyle Mattes, Ryan Rutherford, and Paul Steeno earing a time of 16:56.46, which is the third fastest time in Illinois State history.
"In men's 4x1,600, we were in the hunt to win," Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Jeff Bovee. "We couldn't run a better three guys in the first three carries. Aidan Askin had a tremendous lead-off bringing us in a close third. Kyle Mattes coming off a 10K five days ago, ran his best 1,600-meter. We did beat a few Big Ten schools and I was really pleased with that group."
On the women's side, the 4x1,600-meter relay team of Haley Goers, Kimi Sanden, Kelly McShea, and Kennidi Knoblock ran a time of 20:00.14. The foursome's time is ranked fourth on the all-time best list.
"I think we did well in the women's 1x1,600 considering Mink ran the 800," Bovee said. "I think if we put her on there we are in the hunt for top three, but the other women ran really well. We were fighting for third going into the last leg and I was really please how Kennidi ran her race, but wasn't able to close it out. Nonetheless I am very pleased on how she raced, and as a freshman it is hard to know how to change gears at the end of the race. The other three ran pretty consistent and put us in the hunt to do some things. It was a good day for them."
Jackie Mink earned a personal best in the women's unseeded 800-meter run. In the last 100 meters, Mink battled for the lead and was in the hunt for the win. She came up just seconds short and posted a third-place finished with a time of 2:09.33.
"This was the most aggressive Jackie has been all of outdoor, which was a necessity because the field was moving well," Bovee said. "She positioned herself in the top group and came off the final turn looking strong. I really thought she was going to win the race, but wasn't able to quite get there. Nonetheless, she keeps clipping away and is getting close to that first-round qualifying time."
Ashley England also ran a personal-best time in the women's 10,000-meter run. She posted a time of 35:51.15, which is a 31 second improvement from her previous personal-best of 36:22.41 that was set just a year ago at the 106th Drake Relays. Her mark is now ranked seventh on ISU's all-time best list.
Jeff Bajema had his career-debut in the 10,000-meter run and posted a time of 30:44.12, while Jesse Hahne ran a time of 31:06.83.
Tyler Morse closed the night with the men's 5,000-meter run, and posted a time of 14:25.98.
The Redbirds are back in action tomorrow with Amanda McClain representing Illinois State in the women's long jump at 10 a.m.
