EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The SIUE track and field team hosted its second home meet of the outdoor season Saturday afternoon, welcoming 12 other programs to the Gateway Invite at Korte Stadium.
"This was truly a special day," Interim Head Coach Eileen McAllister said. "The coaching staff did an amazing job preparing the athletes and running the meet."
For the SIUE men, junior La'Derrick Ward broke his own school record in the long jump with a mark of 26 feet, 3 inches (8.00m). Ward finished first among 22 athletes in the event, and now ranks first in the NCAA and seventh internationally in the men's long jump.
Ward also set a new school record in the men's triple jump, taking second place with a mark of 49-1.75 (14.98m).
"La'Derrick is so deserving of his accomplishments," McAllister said. "He works very hard and is an all-around asset to the program. He gives much more than just his athletic achievements."
Also impressing in the men's field events were senior Jamil Mashni and freshman Julian Harvey. Mashni placed first in the shot put with a personal best of 55-0.25 (16.77m) and took second in the men's discus with a toss of 153-9 (46.86m). Meanwhile, Harvey continued an impressive freshman season by placing first in the high jump with a personal best of 6-10.75 (2.10m).
On the track, Braxton Klavins placed first in a pair of events. The junior won the 200m in a time of 21.20 while he took the top spot in the 400m in 46.81.
On the women's side, sophomore LaDonna Caston took first place in the 100m hurdles and set a new SIUE school record with a time of 13.49. Junior Jatavia Wright set the previous record of 13.72 last season.
Other notable women's track performances included senior Claire Brown, who placed second in the 5,000m with a time of 17:33.67. In the 400m, Jessica Oranika (54.38) and Hilary Conrad (55.63) finished second and third, respectively.
In field events, Elizabeth Hampl, coming off Ohio Valley Conference Athlete of the Week honors, placed first in the women's hammer throw with a toss of 195-4 (59.55m). The junior also placed third in the shot put (43-7.25).
Jatavia Wright matched her school record in the long jump, finishing second with a leap of 19-4.25 (5.90m). She also took third in the triple jump at 41-6 (12.65m).
The Cougars' 4x400m relay teams also put in solid performances. The men's team placed first with a time of 3:14.76 while the women took second with a finish of 3:43.90.
"We had a number of personal bests and significant marks today; it was incredible to be a part of," McAllister said. "I want to thank all of our athletes, the events staff, and our administration. Our facilities are top notch and today was an excellent showcase."
SIUE will compete in its final meet before OVC Outdoor Championships when they travel to Des Moines, Iowa for the Drake Relays next weekend.
"We still have work to do as we prepare for OVC Championships and the post season, but we got closer to our goals today," McAllister added.
