DAY ONE RESULTS
GRESHAM, Ore. – The 2013 Cascade Conference Track & Field Championships began today at Earl Klapstein Stadium on the campus of Mt. Hood Community College. Athletes, fans, and officials commenced the competition under sunny skies and a slight breeze.
Five meet records fell today, as the quality of competition continues to improve year after year conference wide.
Isaac Updike of Eastern Oregon bested the field in the men’s version of the 3000m steeplechase. He crossed the line in 9:10.32 which is a new meet record. Trevor Lynn placed 2nd in 9:16.15 for Southern Oregon.
The second meet record to fall was in the men’s discus. Concordia’s Willy Irwin tossed his implement 191-02, easily a new meet standard and a NAIA “A” qualifying distance. Danny Parks from Southern Oregon placed 2nd (173-04).
Hillary Holt continued her outstanding season by defending her 2012 title in the 1500 meters. Her time of 4:30.14 erased the previous record held by Concordia’s Alice Taylor (4:32.74) set in 2010. CU’s Linsie Michaels crossed the line in second in 4:31.36.
The fourth record broken was during the highly competitive 1500 meter run which saw six athletes register NAIA automatic qualifying times. A strong kick over the last 200 meters pushed SOU’s Eric Avila to a new meet standard of 3:43.58. The next two runners also were faster than the previous record set in 2011 by Eastern Oregon’s DJ Flores. College of Idaho’s Dominic Bolin (3:45.88), and Greg Montgomery (3:47.05.25) were both faster than the old mark.
The men’s 400 meter record also fell, with Jonz Olander from Southern Oregon breaking his own record set last year. His time of 47.70 seconds is also NAIA automatic qualifying effort. Second place went to Andre Washington from Concordia.
Sora Klopfenstein started the day by dominating the 3000m steeplechase. The College of Idaho runner won the event with a time of 11:01.68, well ahead of Mikel Elliott from Concordia (11:15.16) and EOU’s Leigh Ann MacCarthy (11:25.20). The efforts of Klopfenstein and Elliot were NAIA “A” qualifying times, while MacCarthy and 4th place Jessie Rozario (11:32.58) were “B” qualifiers.
The Concordia women dominated in the hammer throw, scoring a 1-2 finish. Sharayah Kenady won the event with a toss of 186-05, followed by 2011 champion Gabriella Dixson (163-08). EOU athletes Emily Abbott, Jessica Sosnowski, and Brooke Randall scored well for the Mountaineers by placing 3-4-5.
CU also finished 1-2 in the women’s discus. Gabriella Dixson defended her 2012 title with a throw of 159-09. Her teammate Emily Redmayne placed second at 148-04.
College of Idaho received a men’s individual title thanks to Austin Basterrechea in the long jump with leap of 22-11.00. Katey Choukalos was the top finisher in the women’s long jump thanks to a distance of 18-01.75.
Hannah Whitehead from Corban edged Hillary Holt the 400 meters to earn 10 points for the Warriors. Whitehead’s time of 57.01 seconds was just better than Holt at 57.31. Both efforts are NAIA “B” qualifying times.
In the women’s high jump, Sarah Taylor from Corban and Deb McCloud from Warner Pacific battled for top honors. Each competitor cleared a height of 5-05, but Taylor earned the win by virtue of fewer misses.
Ethan Moore cleared the bar at 6-10.25 in the men’s high jump, adding 10 points to the total score for Concordia and earning a NAIA automatic qualification. Austin Basterrechea continued his excellent day of competition with a second place finish (6-09).
In the short hurdle events, Jasmine Siburt from C of I was the class of the field. She won the 100 meter race in a time of 14.70 – a full second better than any other runner. In the 110 meter race on the men’s side, Sullivan Stevens from Southern Oregon repeated his 2012 title by breaking the tape in 14.78 seconds. Garrett South placed second for Warner Pacific.
College of Idaho won the 4 x 100 women’s relay event with an NAIA automatic qualifying sprint of 48.13. The Southern Oregon foursome crossed in 2nd place in 48.26 seconds.
The always-thrilling 4 x 100 men’s relay race was won this year by Southern Oregon in 41.71 seconds. Corban gave a sold showing by placing 2nd at 41.99 seconds while Warner Pacific was 3rd at 42.65.
Day one wrapped up with the 10,000 meter run. Northwest Christian received a title from Stephanie Hescock who easily won the ladies race in 37:01.11, while Brett Hornig from SOU won the men’s race in 31:30.15.
Competition will continue from Earl Klapstein Stadium tomorrow starting at 10:00 am.
Women’s Team Scores: College of Idaho – 110, Corban – 65, Eastern Oregon – 63, Concordia – 63, Southern Oregon – 54, Oregon Tech – 28, Warner Pacific – 16, Northwest - 15, Northwest Christian – 13.
Men’s Team Scores: Southern Oregon – 112, Eastern Oregon - 91, Concordia – 75, College of Eastern Oregon – 54, Corban – 48, Warner Pacific - 23, Oregon Tech – 18, Northwest – 7.