USU’s first trip outside yields strong showings
Utah State men’s and women’s track and field teams opened up the outdoor season Friday and Saturday by competing in the Willie Williams Classic at the University of Arizona in Tuscon, Ariz. The women had a strong performance with two first-place finishes, while the men claimed one first-place performance.
Senior Stacie Dorius led the way for the women with a first place in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, posting an NCAA provisional regional qualifying time of 10:46.61. Junior Vanessa Gledhill also performed well in the event, as she posted a time of 11:14.01 to claim third place overall. On the men’s side of the 3,000-meter steeplechase event, Steve Strickland won first place with a time of 9:16.50.
Head coach Gregg Gensel said he was pleased with his steeplechase competitors in their first outdoor race.
“For having a first race outdoors, the first time over barriers, I think they did a great job,” Gensel said.
Also on the women’s side, junior Katie Thatcher won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:01.30. Following close behind, in third place, was freshman Camille Fehlberg, who competed the race in 1:02.62.
“Camille did a great job. We knew she had this potential,” Gensel said. “She ran solid indoors, but I think she is showing her race outdoors by running so fast in the hurdles.”
Sophomore Krista Larson placed third in the hammer throw with a distance of 171′ 5″.
Aside from Strickland, the men were led by senior Dasheek Akwenye, who posted a time of 47.24 seconds in the 400-meter run, which was good enough for third place. Akwenye also helped lead the men’s 4×100-meter relay to a second-place finish, with a time of 41.35 seconds. That relay team also included junior John Strang, freshman Silas Pimentel and senior Lamar Brown.
Strang also took third place in the high jump, with a height of 2.00 meters.
“A lot of the people did great,” Gensel said. “It was our first outdoor meet. It’s a transition going from the indoor track to outdoor track. In spite of all that we had a great meet.”
The men’s and women’s team will return to action Friday, April 4, at the Brigham Young Invitational in Provo, Utah.
– sam.bryner@aggiemail.usu.edu