Results
COLUMBIA, Ill. – SIUE men's and women's track began their season at the Missouri Invite with strong showings from several athletes.
"I was very happy with how the team handled themselves overall and thought the freshman did an excellent job for their first collegiate meet," said Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "They did a great job of taking care of business and carried themselves well."
On the men's side, senior La'Derrick Ward began his season with a first place finish in the long jump. His mark of 24 feet, 5.5 inches places him sixth nationally.
Travis Kidd placed first in the high jump with a personal record of 6-7.5.
Greg Block was also a notable point-winner for the Cougars, placing second in the weight throw with a mark of 57-10.25. Block also placed third in the shot put (50-0).
Davinn Smith set a personal record of 50.43 seconds in the 400 meter dash while finishing in second place.
Nick Moore (8:49,95), Keith Meyer (8:55.06), Scott Woodard (8:56.55), and Luke Padesky (8:58.01) finished in first, second, third, and fifth place in the 3000 meter race, respectively.
For the women, Elizabeth Hampl finished first in the shot put, posting a personal record off 44-2.75. She also finished in second place in the weight throw with a throw of 56-9.5.
Freshman Deborrah Blackburn won the high jump event in her first collegiate meet with a mark of 5-3.25.
Junior LaDonna Caston won the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.54.
Freshman Brittany Gibbs and Sakinah Abdul-Aziz both posted strong showing in the triple jump and long jump. Gibbs notched a mark of 38-7.5, which was good enough for a second-place finish. Abul-Aziz jumped to a fifth place finish with a mark of 18-3.
"Brittany and Sakinah both competed well and were able to make adjustments, which is not easy young athletes," said McAllister.
Although the entire team was not able to compete, McAllister is still pleased with the overall performances of the teams.
"There is still a lot to accomplish, but if they continue to conduct themselves like they did today, it will come," said McAllister.
Next for both teams is the dual meet against SEMO on Jan. 24 in Elsah, Ill.
