Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirls to Compete at John Jacob Invitational
April 13, 2006 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
“I feel that we have four to five girls that can set regional qualifying marks this weekend,” Cowgirl head coach Rene Sepulveda said. “Three of our jumpers are very close to setting a mark, along with Deleanor (Kirkpatrick) in the hammer throw.”
So far this season, the Cowgirls have posted six regional qualifiers with seniors Alison Erzinger (400-meter hurdles) and Cody Birk (long jump), junior Eva Slavikova (5,000-meter run), and sophomores Mary Davies (3,000-meter steeplechase), LaKendra Greathouse (shot put) and Eva Tomankova (3,000-meter steeplechase) in their respective events.
Birk has been impressive in her final season at OSU. With a season best mark of 19'11” (6.07-meters), Birk will lead a talented group of long jumpers that includes senior Melissa Ndubilo, junior Zivile Siksnelyte, sophomore Moira Steyn and freshman Breanna Reavis.
Sepulveda said that multi-event athlete, freshman Baiba Blumbaha, will compete in the long jump and in other events.
“(Baiba) has been practicing in various events to help her gain experience leading up to her next heptathlon,” Sepulveda said.
In the triple jump, Sepulveda said there are three to four strong candidates who could set a regional qualifying mark. Those who will compete in the event include Siknelyte, Steyn, Birk and freshman Mateja Posavec.
The Cowgirls will then see action from freshman Kalea Tam, who will run her first 400-meter hurdle event of the season.
Sophomore Deleanor Kirkpatrick will look to improve her throw in the hammer by only four inches to earn a spot into the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships, May 26-27.
Greathouse and freshman Merritt Dietz will compete in the discus throw, while sophomores Brandi Broaddus and Laura Schmidt will throw the javelin.
The meet is set to kick off at 11:30 a.m. with the javelin throw.
