Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
John McDonnell Invitational
OSU Notches Five First Place Finishes at John McDonnell Invitational
April 21, 2012 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
April 21, 2012
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Oklahoma State track and field program had a strong outing at the John McDonnell Invitational over the weekend, highlighted by five first-place finishes.
The top story may have been the debut of Cowgirl basketball player Toni Young in the high jump, who topped the field with a 1.78-meter effort. Her jump is the seoncd-highest all-time at OSU.
“She's really competitive and really wanted to win this competition, and that was first and foremost on her mind,” coach Dave Smith said. “She got a little stressed out because she hasn't jumped in three years, so she was a little tight at first.
“She looked great jumping and I'm really proud of both her and (jumps coach) Zivile (Pukstiene). They both did a great job.”
Cowgirl sophomore Kate Kujawa placed first in the 1,500 meters after running a 4:25.02, which stands as the ninth-best time in school history.
“Her confidence doesn't match her ability yet,” Smith said. “She needs to start thinking of herself and seeing herself as good as she is because she probably could've run faster today and run a little more aggressively.
“She's having a great year so far and this is just another step in the process, and I think she'll run even faster next week.”
Four throwing events took place on Friday evening, with OSU athletes taking the top spot in three of them. Freshman Nick Miller continued his impressive run this season, improving his personal record in the hammer throw yet again, with a 67.06-meter effort, which ranks No. 7 nationally. He has placed first in each of the past three meets.
“I think he's the heavy favorite to win the Big 12 in the hammer,” Smith said. “If he keeps doing what he's doing, he'll make it to the national championships and he'll be an All-American.”
Also placing first were Caitlin Way in the hammer throw and Brooke Gritters in the discus throw. Way's throw of 57.34 meters is a new personal record and the third-best effort in OSU history. Gritters recorded a discus throw of 45.76 meters.
“I think that whole throwing group is doing an incredible job right now,” Smith said. “John Baumann, who coaches them, has them firing on all cylinders.”
Members of the track and field team will head to the Payton Jordan Invitation next Sunday, April 29, in Palo Alto, Calif.
John McDonnell Invitational
April 20-21, 2012 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark.
Women's 800 Meters
8. Caileigh Glenn – 2:11.31
16. Mihaela Bobos – 2:17.83
-- Natalja Piliusina – DNF
Women's 1,500 Meters
1. Kate Kujawa – 4:25.02
7. Teran Mixon – 4:29.63
9. Monika Juodeskaite – 4:31.10
11. Janelle Martinez – 4:36.17
14. Victoria Fratczak – 4:37.59
15. Natanya Luther – 4:39.63
16. Kendra Woodson – 4:39.98
18. Victoria Hanna – 4:44.92
21. Chelsey Phoebus – 4:54.37
24. Taylor Light – 4:57.74
-- Natalja Piliusina – DNF
-- Caileigh Glenn – DNF
Women's 100 Meter Hurdles
16. Clara Telford – 14.92
Women's High Jump
1. Toni Young – 1.78m, 5-10.00
Women's Long Jump
5. Taylor Stolt – 5.72m, 18-09.25
-- Nicki Murphy – FOUL
-- Jacy Steelman – FOUL
Women's Triple Jump
7. Clara Telford – 10.84m, 35-06.75
10. Jacy Steelman – 10.23m, 33-06.75
Women's Shot Put
3. Brooke Gritters – 13.77m, 45-02.25
Women's Discus Throw
1. Brooke Gritters – 45.76m, 150-01
7. Gloria Moseley – 40.37m, 132-05
Women's Hammer Throw
1. Caitlin Way – 57.34m, 188-01
Men's 800 Meter Run
8. Tyler Payton – 1:52.69
Men's 1,500 Meter Run
3. German Fernandez – 3:46.32
4. Fabian Clarkson – 3:46.33
6. Shane Moskowitz – 3:46.97
7. Tommy Casey – 3:50.19
11. Justin Vilhauer – 3:51.27
12. Neal Smith – 3:52.45
13. Zach Wills – 3:53.82
15. Taylor Monaghan – 3:57.28
16. Brian Gohlke – 3:58.04
18. Nick Thorp – 3:59.25
19. Klaus Schmidt – 3:59.35
21. Mark Nelson – 4:00.06
-- Raul Botezan – DNF
Men's Long Jump
11. Cody Kenny – 6.23m, 20-05.25
Men's Shot Put
9. J.P. Hendrick – 14.70m, 48-02.75
Men's Discus Throw
5. Andrew Hudson – 47.66m, 156-04
Men's Hammer Throw
1. Nick Miller – 67.06m, 220-00
