Jan. 26, 2013
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Vanderbilt track and field team wrapped-up competition at the Indiana Relays on Saturday, January 26, with Head Coach Steve Keith calling the results one of the best performances during his tenure.
“Overall, this was the best top-to-bottom performance by a Vanderbilt track team in my seven years,” Keith said. “A couple of school records, more personal bests and a number of top 10 performances. We’re starting to perform at a very high level.”
Day two action was highlighted by junior Brionne Williams tying the school record in the high jump. Williams cleared 1.83 meters (six feet) to finish second in the high jump. Williams has been between five feet, 11 inches and six feet in all three meets this season.
“Brionne’s effort of 6-0 moves her up on the national list,” Keith said. “She has been incredibly consistent this seaosn.”
Also in the high jump, Ellie Tidman placed third clearing 1.77 meters (five feet, 9.75 inches).
Janetra Gleaves reached the finals of the 60 meter hurdles and placed sixth. The sophomore ran 8.78 in the semifinals to reach the finals. She then ran 8.65 in the finals to finish sixth.
“We’re getting closer to a complete race from Janetra with a much improved start and first couple of hurdles,” Keith said.
Grace Orders was in the field for the 5,000 meter invitational. Orders was sixth in 17:22.10.
Vanderbilt runners were also very solid in the open 5,000, placing second, third and fourth. Vanessa Valentine led the way in 17:38.58, followed by Megan Yohe in 17:46.90 and Claire Benjamin in 17:53.09.
In the 800 meters invitiational, Sara Barron, fresh off a school record in the mile on Friday, finished ninth in 2:13.39. Outside the invitational, Katherine Delaney was 10th in the 800 meters, crossing the line in 2:16.00. She barely edged Kristen Findley to finish in the top-10, as Findley crossed in 2:16.02.
Faith Washington placed 11th in the 400 meters, posting at time of 57.10.
Next up for Vanderbilt is a trip to New York City for the Armory Collegiate Classic in uptown Manhattan on February 1-2.
“This two-day meet (in Indiana), along with New York next week, are great preparation for the SEC Indoor Championships in four weeks,” Keith said. “Staying healthy and being consistent is the key. We do that and we’ll continue to see some big improvements.”
