Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Track and Field Has Another Qualifier
April 18, 2008 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
The Oklahoma State women's track and field team had a good day Thursday, highlighted by sophomore Natalia Kovtun's NCAA regional qualifying mark, which makes her the ninth Cowgirl to qualify this season.
Kovtun, a transfer from USC, finished the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Mt. SAC Relays in 10:48.90 to beat the qualifying mark of 10.50.25. It was her first time to compete in the event this season.
“Natalia has come a long way in a short time,” coach Rene Sepulveda said. “She is starting to get back into shape and will now focus on the 1,500 meters for the remaining season. She is very talented and will eventually be able to race at a very competitive level in the NCAA.”
Freshman Teran Mixon, from Coalgate, Okla., and senior Kim Blomkvist also competed in the Mt. SAC Relays Thursday. Mixon had a personal-best time of 4:36.40 in the 1,500-meter run to finish fifth and Blomkvist finished with a season-best time of 17:08.79 in the 5,000-meter run, 16 seconds better than her last time to run the event at the Sam Howell Invitational.
“Teran keeps improving rapidly each week,” Sepulveda said. “She is gaining valuable racing experience for competing in the Big 12.”
Senior Deleanor Kirkpatrick also competed Thursday at the Kansas Relays. She finished ninth in the hammer throw with a toss of 51.12 meters.
Sepulveda said the Cowgirls hope to have three more qualifiers Friday at the Mt. SAC Relays. Oklahoma State is also competing in the Azusa Pacific Invitational and Kansas Relays on Friday.
Mt. SAC Relays
1,500 meter
5 Mixon, Teran 4:36.40
3,000-meter steeplechase
5 Kovtun, Natalia 10:48.90
5,000 meters
15 Blomkvist, Kim 17:08.79
Kansas Relays
Hammer Throw
9 Kirkpatrick, Deleanor 51.12m
Kovtun, a transfer from USC, finished the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Mt. SAC Relays in 10:48.90 to beat the qualifying mark of 10.50.25. It was her first time to compete in the event this season.
“Natalia has come a long way in a short time,” coach Rene Sepulveda said. “She is starting to get back into shape and will now focus on the 1,500 meters for the remaining season. She is very talented and will eventually be able to race at a very competitive level in the NCAA.”
Freshman Teran Mixon, from Coalgate, Okla., and senior Kim Blomkvist also competed in the Mt. SAC Relays Thursday. Mixon had a personal-best time of 4:36.40 in the 1,500-meter run to finish fifth and Blomkvist finished with a season-best time of 17:08.79 in the 5,000-meter run, 16 seconds better than her last time to run the event at the Sam Howell Invitational.
“Teran keeps improving rapidly each week,” Sepulveda said. “She is gaining valuable racing experience for competing in the Big 12.”
Senior Deleanor Kirkpatrick also competed Thursday at the Kansas Relays. She finished ninth in the hammer throw with a toss of 51.12 meters.
Sepulveda said the Cowgirls hope to have three more qualifiers Friday at the Mt. SAC Relays. Oklahoma State is also competing in the Azusa Pacific Invitational and Kansas Relays on Friday.
Mt. SAC Relays
1,500 meter
5 Mixon, Teran 4:36.40
3,000-meter steeplechase
5 Kovtun, Natalia 10:48.90
5,000 meters
15 Blomkvist, Kim 17:08.79
Kansas Relays
Hammer Throw
9 Kirkpatrick, Deleanor 51.12m
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