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8A
Records fall at track meet
story by michael sudhalter photos by nick krug
Scott Russell, senior thrower, lets out a scream of relief after setting KU, Anschutz American, threw a toss that flew 73 feet, 8 1/2 inches. Sports Pavilion and personal records in the weight-throw event. Russell, an All-
Charlie Gruber, junior middle-distance runner, sprints to a new KU and pavilion record for the 1,000-meter dash. Gruber set the new record by running a time of 2:21.72.
Paul Kopecky, freshman sprinter, takes a breath of relief as he eyes the finish line in the men's 600-meter dash. Kopecky finished with a time of 1:19.75.
Erika Hamel, senior long jumper, plunges into the sand pit after a jump.
Hamel's longest jump of the day was 16 feet, 10/3 4 inches.
The Kansas track and field team showed that
field team showed that records were made to be broken during its only home meet of the indoor season Friday at Anschutz Sports Pavilion.
Kansas coach Stanley Redwine said the team was doing great overall.
"In every event, the athletes are competing for their best," he said.
Senior All-American Scott Russell continued his outstanding performance in the weight throw by breaking his own school record — and the pavilion record — with a 73-8 1/2 throw.
"It was great to break the record, but Lwould like to win the Big 12 and NCAA
Competitions," Russell said. "I don't want to put a cap on distance, though."
Senior All-
American
Charlie Gruber
set a new
school record
and
the
Anschutz
"It was a big boost for us to have a home meet. It is always a lot of fun to compete in your own house." Ryan Speers junior shot-put thrower
While Gruber and Russell provided excitement on Friday, many other Jayhawks turned in top finishes at the home meet.
Senior Jabari Wamble won the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.71 seconds, and junior Ryan Speers continued Kansas' dominance of weight events with a top finish in the shot put event, 58-3 1/2.
record in the 1,000 meter event by running a time of 2:21.72.
"We were definitely impressed with Charlie breaking the school record in the 1,000 meters by about two seconds and with Scott breaking his own record and the stadium one as well," Redwine said. "Those athletes ... are ready to go and compete well at conference and the NCAA Championships."
Speers said a home meet was just what the Jayhawks needed to increase their confidence.
"It was a big boost for us to have a home meet," Speers said. "It is always a lot of fun
Redwine said he was extremely pleased with Gruber's and Russell's strong efforts.
More information
For more sports news from this weekend,
See section B
"It was a great meet for us and I was happy with our performance," Gruber said.
to compete in your own house."
Other Jayhawks who placed near the top on Friday were senior Andy Tate (4:09.25, second in the mile run), junior Brian Blachly (2:26.17, second in the 1,000-meter run), junior Jeremy Hull (16/34 feet and second in the pole vault) and sophomore Benaud Shirey (46/83 four, third in the triple jump).
In the women's competition, senior All-American Andrea Branson won the pole-vault event for the third
consecutive week with an 11-11 3/4 foot effort. Branson, who hopes to return to the NCAA competition this season, said her main goal was to clear the height of 13 feet.
"I'm working towards longer runs," Branson said.
"But with consistent practices, I will be able to work towards better runs."
Senior Sherre-Khan Blackmon placed second (57.67 sec.) in the 400 meter-dash, an event she uses as practice for the 600-meter dash.
"Since the meet is at home, I was just trying to put it all out there and get a better time," Blackman said.
The following finished within the top three of their events; junior Jennifer Foster in the shot put event with a 46-5 1/2 toss; senior Jennie Wonder in the 60-meter hurdles: sophomore Brandi Taylor, triple jump; senior Amanda Reves, 600 yards; freshman Stacy Keller, 400 meter-dash; sophomore Robbie Harriford, 60 meter-dash; junior Shanetta March, 200 meter dash and freshman Jenaya Carmen, high jump.
Redwine said he was optimistic about the team's development during the last meet.
"We have a meet next week end and I think the athletes feel as if they are running well," Redwine said, "Everyone seems to have a positive attitude and our goal is to be competitive at the conference meet."
Edited by Jennifer Valadex
Megan Wray, sophomore middle-distance runner, whips around the corner of the women's 600-meter dash. Wray finished with a time of 1:36.85.
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