TEMPE, Ariz. – Led by pole vaulters Ariana Cranston and Ryan Ashenbremer, the Illinois State men's and women's track & field teams opened the Sun Angel Classic, hosted by Arizona State, on a high note Friday.
On the first day of competition, Cranston captured an outdoor personal-best, clearing 3.70m (12-01.50) to finish second. With the mark, she improves to fourth all-time in Redbird track & field history and solidifies her spot atop the Valley.
"Ari took some risks today and jumped on the biggest pole of her career," said Associate Head Coach Mary Wood. "The big bars didn't stay up today, but that's pole vault. Ari is one of the hardest workers I've had the privilege of coaching, and I'm confident that she will see some big bars stay up soon."
Ashenbremer followed with a solid performance of his own, tying his outdoor personal-record of 5.00m (16-04.75) to finish fourth in a field of 28 competitors. Ashenbremer's mark not only ranks fifth on ISU's top-10 list, but is first in the MVC as well.
"Ryan had a very solid day, as he continues to build consistency over 5.00m," said Wood. "I'm really proud of the way he competed through a very long competition. A breakthrough is on the way for Ryan!"
The Redbird throws squad was also in action on Friday. Competing in the women's hammer throw, Brandy Thomas recorded a season-best heave of 51.60m (169-3) on her first throw of finals to place third. After tonight, she sits fifth in the Valley.
Freshman Logan Calvin posted a huge improvement in the men's hammer throw, notching a throw of 49.37 (161-11) to record nearly a six-meter personal-best.
The Redbird men's and women's track & field teams will return to Arizona State's Joe Selleh Track tomorrow for day two of the Sun Angel Classic. Field events will begin at 2 p.m. CT with the women's high jump. Running events will get underway at 4:17 p.m. CT with the women's 100-meter hurdles final.
Live results of the Sun Angel Classic will be provided. Redbird fans can follow live action of the meet on Twitter via @Redbird_TrackXC.
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