Oklahoma State University Athletics
Young Cowboy Runners Perform Well in Norman
April 15, 2007 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma State's men's track team competed at the University of Oklahoma's John Jacobs Invitational this weekend after the meet was delayed due to inclement weather in the Norman, Okla. area on Friday night.
OSU assistant track coach Dave Smith said that even though the conditions were poor at the John Jacobs Track and Field Complex, the team did not change its original plan heading into the meet.
“We came in here wanting to qualify more guys for NCAA Regionals,” said Smith. “A lot of teams completely change their approach to the race when they see these conditions, but we stuck to our plan and I am very proud of our guys for coming out here and going for it.”
In the 1,500-meter run, Cowboy freshman Sean Fleming, running unattached, finished first in his heat with a time of 3:55.63. Cowboy senior Ryan Ripley was leading with 500 meters to go, but fell back in the pack as strong winds came into play in the last leg of the race. Ripley finished 20th with a time of 3:59.65. Freshman Tucker Weems finished 23rd with a time of 4:01.34.
Also in the 1,500-meter run, sophomore Matt Barnes-Smith finished 26th with a time of 4:04.66 while a pair of freshmen, Jerhoemee Murray and Peter Wood, finished 29th and 34th.
Clay Mayes, a freshman from
“It was cold, wet, and windy, and those are terrible conditions to run in,” said Smith. “We weren't able to qualify anyone, but they came out here and did exactly what we wanted them to do. They didn't give in and I am very proud of that.”
‘Tucker Weems ran a great race, especially for someone who is just coming back from injury. Clay Mayes set a new personal record in the (5,000-meter run) and Sean Fleming, who was running unattached, finished first in his heat in the (1,500-meter run).”
The Cowboys will be back in action next weekend at the
