May 31, 2008
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Vanderbilt freshman Rita Jorgensen finished 10th in the 1500-meter finals and senior Valerie Kazmer notched a 16th-place finish in the 3000-meter steeplechase as the Commodore track and field team closed out action at the NCAA Mideast Track & Field Regional at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville.
Competing in her first NCAA regional final, Jorgensen finished the finals of the 1500 meters in 10th place with a time of 4:32.52. Dacia Barr of Arkansas won the event with a time of 4:13.16, finishing a second ahead of Tennessee’s Sarah Bowman, who turned in a time of 4:14.06.
“I am very proud of Rita and all that she has accomplished in her freshman year,” Vanderbilt distance coach Steve Keith said. “It was a great experience for her to make the regional final and I know Rita has her sights set on placing in the top five and qualifying for nationals next year.”
In the 3000-meter steeplechase, Kazmer finished the event in 16th place with a time of 11:19.88. Danelle Woods from Illinois won the event with a time of 10:32.83.
“Val has come such a long way and really learned a lot this year,” Keith added. “Her leadership as a senior with our very young distance group has been invaluable.”
The NCAA Mideast Track & Field Regional concludes the season for the Commodores.
Saturday’s Results:
1500-Meter Finals:
10. Rita Jorgensen – 4:32.52
3000-Meter Steeplechase Finals:
16. Valerie Kazmer – 11:19.88
