01/31/09

Vanguard DMR on Track for Success

Northridge, Calif – Vanguard University’s men’s and women’s track and field teams turned in a solid season-opening performance at the California State University Northridge All-Comers Track and Field Meet. Vanguard’s men’s and women’s Distance Medley Relay (DMR) teams highlighted the day for the Lions with second-place finishes in the Distance Medley Relay events.

The women's Distance Medley Relay finished 2nd to Azusa Pacific running 12:42.8h (just missing the NAIA automatic qualifying standard for Indoor Nationals by less than two-tenths of a second). Freshman Megan Williams ran a tremendous lead-off leg (3:40 for 1200 meters). William's split was the fastest 1200 meter season-opener in program history (including two-time 1500m All-American Jenny Thune who was a 1200m specialist in the DMR). Rounding out the relay were sophomore Allie Armando (62.7/400m), junior transfer Ashley Rodriguez (2:31.9/800m) and freshman Chelsea Van Cott (5:27.8/1600m).

Rodriguez also ran an unofficial 1:41.8 mark for 600 meters. Juniors Kelsie Davis and Burgandy Rhines both cleared January-best marks of 5'0" in the high jump. Freshman Basia Mosley ran 28.6 and sophomore Kaylee Leadley 31.6 for 200 meters. Freshmen Emily Canales and Olya Zamucen ran 2-mile personal bests of 12:49.4 and 13:12.2, respectively.

All-American Rebecca Sopp did not compete due to injury, nor did VU basketball players Diana Neves and Veronica Beavor, who will join the team later in the season.

On the men’s side, junior All-American Aze Perkins raced to a 2nd place finish in the 60 meter high hurdles. His 8.0 hand time, although fast enough for a national qualifying mark, did not count as it was not recorded with an electronic timing system (which is required for events 200 meters or less).

The men's distance medley relay team posted a 10:51.7 clocking for a 2nd place finish. Junior Mike Hartanov lead off with a 3:10.5/1200m followed by Perkins 51.5/400m, freshman Chad Smith 2:06.6/800m and freshman Matt Johnson 4:43.1/1600.

Junior transfer Jesse Rodriguez threw the Javelin 148'10" for a solid season opener and also posted a 25.3 time for the 200m run. Sophomore Christian de Glymes ran 10:19.8 in the 2 mile.

Four VU men did not compete today, two due to injuries (Danny Thomas and Nate Phillips) and two due to academic non-certification (transfers Morgan Rose and Noah Lopez).

Vanguard travels to Concordia for the CUI Indoor Qualifier Meet on Saturday, February 7th.

Vanguard Women’s Track and Field Results - Complete Meet Results

Vanguard University Men’s Track and Field Results