ELSAH, Ill. – The SIUE track & field program began its 2012-13 season Friday afternoon with the fourth annual Red vs. Black Intrasquad Meet at Principia College.
Team captains drafted the Red and Black squads, and the Black team prevailed with a 95-91 victory over their Cougar counterparts.
"We had a fantastic atmosphere with family, alumni, and recruits," Assistant Coach Eileen McAllister said. "The athletes have a lot of fun and gain valuable experience."
The SIUE women set seven intrasquad meet records along with 12 top-five meet marks. The men set three meet records and posted 16 top-five scores.
On the women's side, senior Aftan Noon set meet records in the 1,000 meters (2 minutes, 54.73 seconds) and the 600 meters (1:34.64) while fellow senior Colleen McDonough posted meet records in the weight throw (58 feet, 1 inches) and shot put (45'2.25").
Noon's 1k time and McDonough's weight throw would've been new school records had it been an official meet.
Also setting meet records were senior Kaya Senaya in the 60 meters (7.16), freshman Kirby Hale in the 3,000 meters (10:25.80), and sophomore Jatavia Wright in the triple jump (38'7").
Setting meet records for the men were senior Marc Presley in the 1,000 meters (2:31.99), sophomore Ahmad Evans in the 300 meters (33.62), and sophomore Greg Block in the shot put (53'10.5").
"Obviously, none of the marks are official but they are a good comparison from year to year at this meet," McAllister said. "This meet serves as a rehearsal for the athletes before our first indoor meet. Not only do they practice their warm up and competition routine, but they also encounter the logistics of team travel."
McAllister added that the intrasquad meet always serves as a barometer for where the athletes are at both physically and mentally.
"It's always a good feeling when you end with so many meet records and personal bests," McAllister said. "Overall the team is ahead of where they were at this point last year. There is a lot of talent and they have put in a lot of work."
The Cougars' first official indoor meet will be held Dec. 8 when they travel to Carbondale, Ill. for the SIUC Early Bird Invite.
