April 17, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt track team completed their final day of competition in the Vanderbilt Invitational, the final home meet of the season.
The ‘Dores were led by sophomore Anna Carr, who set a new Vanderbilt record in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.80. The Destin, Fla. native eclipsed her own record set three weeks ago at the Black & Gold Invitational (11.92), also held at Vanderbilt.
“What can you say about Anna that hasn’t already been said?” Vanderbilt head coach D’Andre Hill noted. “She had a great 100 today and 200 last night and we’re looking forward to what she can bring in the coming weeks.”
Carr’s sprinting counterpart Taylor Jackson also had a strong outing in the 100 and 200 for the Commodores, finishing fourth with a time of 11.93 in the 100, and sixth with a time of 24.65 in the 200.
“Tay did a great job this weekend,” Hill commented. “She ran hard, had some PRs, and really showed that she’s ready for what’s ahead. She and Anna really push each other and they had great races this weekend.”
Junior Rita Jorgensen had another stellar day for the Commodores, running to a personal best 2:07.46 in the 800 meter run, edging her way into second place in the race and the VU record books. Fellow teammate Kristen Findley ran her way to eighth place in the 800 with a personal best of 2:18.83.
“Rita had a fantastic weekend,” distances coach Steve Keith said. “She had PRs in the 800 and 1500 and she’s looking strong heading into conference. Having two strong days in a row shows that she’s physically and mentally prepared for what’s to come.
The women’s 4×100 meter relay, consisting of Buky Bamigboye, Carr, Jackson, and Teegan Hill, ran a season best 46.46 on Saturday, good for second best in school history.
“What’s great about our sprint relay is that they keep improving every weekend,” Hill noted. “They’re so close to the school record and we hope to break that soon. We’re definitely closing in.”
VU pole vaulters freshman Morgan Toone and junior Katherine Hendricks each cleared 11-11.75, creating a new school record. Toone and Hendricks finished third and fourth, respectively. Toone also holds the indoor pole vault record for Vanderbilt. Sophomore Meagan Martin was right behind Toone and Hendricks, finishing fifth with a jump of 11-05.75.
“To have two of our girls break the school record is unbelievable and definitely a step in the right direction. Morgan is the future and we’re so glad she’s starting to jump that way. It’s been a bit of a slow start for her and we can’t wait to see what she’ll do next,” assistant coach Clark Humphreys said.
The Commodores split next weekend to compete in the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pa. and the Sooner Invitational in Norman, Okla.
