Under the Arch: Day Two

 

Mike Daugherty, Dean of Students, Student Affairs

 

Today was the first official day of competition. The day began with, well, rain. Not exactly predicted and not especially appreciated. Sunshine and rain was a good metaphor for the EOU track team as well; excitement and disappointment. It was cold, windy and with heavy rain at times. It has been 11 hours since I set foot at the track and field stadium and my feet are still wet.

 

The highlights for the day were very significant. Lane Bailey participated in the javelin. He came into the meet ranked 23rd in the nation and came away with a 10th place finish, just one spot shy of being in the final flight. Cayla Weissert is now an NAIA All American. She pole vaulted into 6th place at a height of 11'6". Stephanie Windle will advance to the finals in the 3000 meter steeplechase. She had a great race in the trials. Stephanie ran 11:23.45. This not only is a personal best, but an EOU school record as well. Quniten Baxter competed in the hammer and both Troy Blackburn and Cameron Starner competed in the steeplechase.

 

Our multi-sport specialists Lucas Ohmes and Kasie Gillespie completed their first day of a two day competition. Lucas is currently in 7th position and had his best first day ever by about 200 points. He usually has a very strong second day, so he is really in the hunt. All five of Lucas's events today (100 meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meter run) had better marks and times than when he qualified for nationals. The 100 meters, shot put, and 400 meter runs were personal bests for him.

 

Over the next two days we have students competing in the men's 1500 meters, men's and women's marathon (we may be getting up at 4:00 am for those races), the men's triple jump, men's long jump, women's 5000 meter run, plus the steeplechase finals for women and of course the second day for the multi-sport athletes. Let's hope we have more sun than rain. Even with the cold wet weather, it has been a very good day. Traveling and spending time with this team, players and coaches has been a real treat for me. What a great group, much to be proud of.

 

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