ALLENDALE, Mich. - The Lake Superior State men's and women's track and field teams competed at the Al Owens Classic on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 hosted by Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich.
Running Events
In the women's 100 meter dash, Breanyl Baker finished in fifth place in her section while Nadya Woodson set a new personal record in the distance with a time of 13.50. Three Lakers, Gabrielle Minier, Nadya Woodson, and Katie Woodruff, competed in the 200 meter dash and all three athletes set new personal records.
In the longer distances, multiple female Lakers set personal bests. Caitlyn Schumann recorded a time of 2:53.38 in the 800 meter distance, a new career high. In the 1500 meter distance, Alexis Passino bested her previous career record by 12 seconds as she placed eighth in her heat with a time of 5:00.42. Leah Bell also set a new career best in the 1500 meter race with a time of 5:51.04.
In the men's track competition, the Lakers had three athletes set personal bests in the 800 meter distance. Kevin Garland (2:09.18), Aaron Nachazel (2:10.30), and Eric Somsky (2:18.58) all improved on their previous career bests.
In two of the longer distance events, the Laker men's team also set numerous personal bests. Peter Shambaugh (4:08.45), Roy Bowman (4:11.47), and Ryan O'Neill (4:16.79) all set personal records in the 1500 meter race while freshman Ethan Nachazel set a PR in the 5,000 meter run with a time of 16:26.61.
Andrew Giddens and Tom Hanke represented the Lakers in the men's hurdles at the meet. Giddens placed sixth in the 110 meter hurdles race while setting a personal record in the event with a time of 15.44. In the 400 meter hurdles race, Giddens set his second PR of the day with an eighth place finish and a time of 57.39. Hanke, competing in hurdles for the first time, posted a time of 58.96 to place ninth overall in the 400 meter race.
Field Events
The women's throwers continued their strong season at the Al Owens Classic this weekend. Brittney Ryan recorded a season PR in the shot put with a distance of 9.76 meters and placed eighth among the 14 participants in the event. Ryan would also take part in the hammer throw competition and registered a throw of 33.39 meters in her first time ever competing in the event.
Bethany Wilson, who joined the Lakers this weekend following the conclusion of the LSSU volleyball season, had a strong season debut at Grand Valley. Wilson participated in the discus competition and registered a throw of 38.26 meters in her first time competing in the event collegiately. Although Wilson was not in the invite event, she placed first among the 18 athletes in her group.
Freshman Jenna Fleming once again had a stellar performance in the women's javelin competition as she placed first in the event. Fleming posted a throw of 45.09 meters to come close to her previous PR this season of 45.16. The freshman led the field at the GVSU meet by over 11 meters. For the third time this season, Fleming has recorded a provisional qualifying mark.
In the men's field events, the Lakers saw solid performances from a pair of freshmen pole vaulters. Noah Murray was tied for second in Friday's event with a height of 4.15 meters. The freshman fell short of his previous season-high of 4.17 meters. Elijah Denning registered a new personal record with a height of 3.80 meters, besting his previous mark of 3.65.
The full list of results can be found here.
For more information, visit lssulakers.com
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