May 10, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.: May 10, 2008 - With multiple victories in every event area, the Nittany Lion track and field team engineered an outstanding day during its final tune up for the Big Ten Championships, hosting the Penn State Open at Nittany Lion Track. Senior Shana Cox (Westbury, N.Y.) led the way once again, posting victories in both the 100- and 200-meters. The Lions are saw several season improvements, as well as a first-time regional-qualifying performance from Kim Hanslovan (Luthersburg, Pa.).
"We had a great day at the Nittany Lion Track," said Director of Track and Field Beth Alford-Sullivan. "The weather cooperated and we got the best of our final effort before the Big Ten Championships next weekend. Highlighted by duel victories from Shana Cox, we had a blast and performed well across the board, and are well on our way to putting together outstanding performances at the conference meet."
Hanslovan placed third in the javelin throw, finishing behind teammates Karlee McQuillen (Johnstown, Pa.) and Heidi Nadeau (North Hampton, N.H.). McQuillen posted a throw of 170-6 (51.96) to win the competition, while Nadeau took second with a toss of 155-8 (47.55) - a season best. Junior Tanner Evak (State College, Pa.) took the men's javelin with a toss of 210-11 (64.30).
Cox won the 100 in a PR 11.85, and followed up with a 24.09 win the 200. Andrew Cope (Danville, Pa.) won the same events on the men's side, running 10.77, and 22.01. Sophomore Mike Cadau (Mahanoy City, Pa.) was also a double winner, taking top honors in the 400-meters and 800-meters, going 48.04, and 1:51.17. Senior Ron Jules (Tom's River, N.J.) dominated the hurdling events, winning both the 110- and 400-meter hurdles with times of 14.57 in the 110s, and 53.54 in the quarter hurdles.
The Lions also got a handful of duel victories in the field, including Emma Schmelzer (Bloomington, Ill.) and Blake Eaton (Allegeny, N.Y.) in the shot put and the discus. Lena Bettis (Riverside, Calif.) won both the long and triple jumps, notching a season-best 41-8.50 (12.71) in the triple jump.
Other Nittany Lion winners on the day included Gayle Hunter (Riverside, Calif.) in the 400, Megan Hutchinson (Quakertown, Pa.) in the 800, Kathryn Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh, Pa.) in the 1500-meters, Dennis O'Connor (Philadelphia, Pa.), and Megan Duncan (North Huntingdon, Pa.) in the 400 hurdles. In the field, the Lions saw victories from Caitlin Fairbairn (Coatesville, Pa.) and John Vellenoweth (Wheeling, W.Va.) in the pole vault, Ryan Taylor (Spanish Town, Jamaica) and Clarence Smith (Coatesville, Pa.), who tied for the win in the triple jump, and Frank Duca (Middletown, N.J.) in the hammer.
The Lions begin their quest for a Big Ten Championships this weekend, starting on Friday, May 16, at the University of Illinois.