April 2, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas: April 2, 2008 - Halfway through the two-day decathlon competition at the Texas Relays, Nittany Lion standouts Chris Morrisey (Ligonier, Pa.) and Shawn Colligan (Bradford, Pa.) got off to a good start on Wednesday, standing in 12th and 14th, respectively, with the five events remaining on Thursday. Morrisey posted a total of 3737 points after five events, while Colligan totaled 3681 on day one.
"I was pleased with how both guys competed," said Penn State assistant coach Drew Hardyk. "Shawn is on his pace from Big Tens from last year, so he's in great shape. Chris didn't have his greatest day, but I'm optimistic that both guys will end the competition on a strong note and bring home top 10 finishes"
Both Lions opened the day with commendable races in the 100-meters, with Colligan posting a mark of 11.10 - just off his personal-best 11.09 - and Morrisey clocking a time of 11.20. The efforts from the Lions were the 11th and 12th fastest in the field. Colligan continued with a leap of 21-08.25 (6.61m) in the long jump - the eighth-furthest jump of the day - while Morrisey jumped 21-06.25 (6.56m) - the 12th-best effort of the event.
Morrisey followed up with a heave of 41-05.25 (12.63m) in the shot put, with Colligan tossing a personal-best 40-09 (12.42m), well over two feet better than his previous PR. Morrisey would go on to clear 6-4 (1.93m) in the high jump, which was one of the sixth-best jump of the day, while Colligan managed a 5-11.25 (1.81m) clearance.
Colligan concluded the day with a speedy 49.19 effort in the 400-meters - the fifth-fastest of the day. Morrisey also recorded a solid quarter mile, dipping under 50 seconds with a time of 49.79.
Trey Hardee of Nike leads the field after day one with 4212 points, while Rickey Moody of Washington State is the top collegian after day one, standing in second place overall with 4156 points.
Action continues tomorrow at the 11:00 a.m. CST, with the 110-meter hurdles. The discus throw, pole vault, javelin, and 1500-meters are also scheduled for Thursday.