Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
Payton Jordan Invitational
Piliusina, Mecheso Set Top NCAA Marks At Stanford
April 29, 2013 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
April 29, 2013
PALO ALTO, Calif. -
Oklahoma State's Natalja Piliusina ran the fastest women's 1,500 meters in the NCAA, and Girma Mecheso accomplished the same feat in the men's 10,000 meters, plus a school record for the OSU track and field teams at the Payton Jordan Invitational, in Palo Alto, Calif., on Sunday.
Mecheso's time of 27:52.38 demolished his own school record in the event by more than 24 seconds, and leads the NCAA by more than 42 seconds. That mark also gave Mecheso the No. 13 ranking in the world for the 10,000 meters.
Piliusina ran a 4:09.57, which was just .06 off her school record and personal best. Her run was two and a half seconds quicker than the previous top mark in the nation. She is now ranked No. 10 in the world in the 1,500 meters, to go along with her No. 19 ranking in the 800 meters.
“It was an incredible performance from both Girma and Natalja,” OSU Coach Dave Smith said. “They were both dominant. When you send two runners to an event, and they come back as NCAA leaders and top-15 in the world, you can't ask for much more than that. Just awesome for both of them, and for Oklahoma State.”
The OSU track and field teams will return to action next weekend, May 3-5, at the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Waco, Texas.
Payton Jordan Invitational
April 28, 2013/ Cobb Track and Angell Field/ Palo Alto, Calif.
Men's Individual Results
5,000 Meters
10. Girma Mecheso – 27:52.38*!
Women's Individual Results
1,500 Meters
4. Natalja Piliusina – 4:09.57
! – Denotes school record
* - Denotes personal best
