SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Another standout performance from junior Jatavia Wright was the main highlight as the SIUE track and field team wrapped up competition at Notre Dame's Meyo Invitational Saturday.
"We responded well to the second day of competition," Interim Head Coach Eileen McAllister said. "This was definitely a productive trip for us. Our athletes were exposed to a high level of competition and they answered."
Wright broke her own school record in the triple jump with a mark of 12.99m (42-7.5) to finish second in the event. The junior is now tied for eighth nationally amongst all NCAA Division I athletes in the triple jump.
On three of her six jump attempts in her triple jump series, Wright bested her previous school record. The native of Miami Gardens, Fla., has now broken the SIUE record in the event in all three meets SIUE has competed in so far this season.
Jessica Oranika finished ninth in the women's 400 meter dash with a time of 55.73, ranking her third on SIUE's all-time list.
Hilary Conrad was a half second behind Oranika in the 400, finishing 12th with a personal best of 56.25. Conrad also placed ninth in the 200 meters, the third-fastest time in school history at 24.98.
On the men's side, Braxton Klavins completed an impressive meet by placing third in 400 meters with a time of 47.69.
Personal bests were set by Renee Johns-Goodenough in the 800 meters (2:22.52) and the mile (5:09.63), as well as LaDonna Caston in the 200 meters (25.55).
For the men, Darius Smith set a new PR in the 200 meters (22.10) while Clint Kliem PR'd in the mile (4:19.46.). Freshman Derek Drew also set a personal best in the 400 meters (49.47).
"There are always things to improve, but we had many accomplishments this weekend," McAllister added. "Three more records makes it 10 already this season. More importantly, the intangibles are there too. The energy, focus, and passion for the group is evident."
The Cougars will be back in action next weekend at the Hoosier Hills Relays in Bloomington, Ind. Competition begins Friday at 2:30 p.m. inside Gladstein Fieldhouse.
