Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Makes Massive Marks At Mt. SAC
April 19, 2014 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
April 19, 2014
WALNUT, Calif. -
Oklahoma State's Chad Noelle, John Teeters and Shadrack Kipchirchir each registered top-five marks in the NCAA in their respective events at the Mt. SAC Relays, in Walnut, Calif., on Friday.
As a result, OSU now has an athlete with a top-five national mark in a sprinting event (100 meters), middle distance event (1,500 meters), distance event (5,000 meters) and throwing event (hammer throw).
In the elite division of the men's 1,500 meters, a field stacked with 10 runners who were either professional or ran unattached to a university, including former OSU eight-time All-American Tom Farrell, Noelle grabbed the victory with a time of 3:40.06. Noelle's time ranks No. 2 in the nation, and is the fourth-best 1,500 meters in OSU history.
“Chad ran a mature and patient race,” OSU coach Dave Smith said. “There were a lot of people in the race, so even when he was being smart about his running he would still get boxed in. However, when he got boxed in, he did a great job of remaining calm and getting out of trouble. With 100 meters to go, he was in sixth or seventh and had an incredible close. He put a second and a half on Tom Farrell. He looked amazing and looked like he can threaten for a national title.”
In the 100 meters, Teeters ran a wind-legal 10.14, which is a personal best for him, the No. 3 time in the NCAA and the No. 4 mark in Cowboy history. Teeters' competition also consisted of professional and unattached runners along with other NCAA competitors.
“Teeters was incredible as well,” Smith said. “He had a great start, but found himself behind early in the race. However, just like Chad, he remained patient and stuck to his game plan. By the 40 meter mark, he had the lead and no one was going to catch him. He has had an incredible spring. He put up a world-class time today. The most important thing is he is starting to believe he is capable of performances like this.”
In the elite division of the 5,000 meters, Shadrack Kipchirchir lit up the track, finishing in 13:37.68, which was not only good enough for 10th in the event, but also No. 5 in the NCAA. His time is the sixth-best mark in OSU history.
“Shadrack did an amazing job,” Smith said. “The way things shook out, he had to lead for a good portion of the race, which always puts more strain on an athlete. It's always harder to lead. Because of that, he didn't have the usual kick at the end. However, he still ran a great race. It could have been faster, but it was still a big-time performance.”
In the open division of the 1,500 meters, Cowboy freshman Matthew Fayers ran a personal-best 3:45.09 to finish second. Entering the weekend, Fayers' time would be good enough for No. 16 in the West region.
Late Thursday night, Neal Smith took seventh place in the open division of the 10,000 meters, with a time of 29:55.83.
On the women's side, Monika Juodeskaite won the Olympic Development division of the 5,000 meters, with a personal-best mark of 16:00.32. Her time ranks No.3 in OSU history, and entering the weekend her mark would be good enough for the No. 12 spot in the NCAA.
“Monika looked great,” Smith said. “She ran a smooth and controlled race, and when the time came, she blew away the field and looked awesome doing it. Even after that performance, I think she is capable of more. She knows it, too.”
In the open division of the 800 meters, Clara Nichols took 20th place, finishing in 2:08.85.
At the John Jacobs Invitational, in Norman, Okla., Caitlin Way got competition underway for OSU in the women's hammer throw. She took fourth place, with a season-best launch of 58.15m/190-09.
OSU track & field will resume action tomorrow at the Mt. SAC relays, beginning at 3:30 p.m. CT, and at the John Jacobs Invitational, where competition will begin at 11 a.m.
Mt. SAC Relays
April 17-19, 2014/ Hilmer Lodge Stadium/ Walnut, Calif.
Thursday, April 17
Men's 10,000 Meters (Open Division)
7. Neal Smith – 29:55.83*
Friday, April 18
Men's Individual Results
100 Meter Dash
1. John Teeters – 10.14*
1,500 Meters (Elite Division)
1. Chad Noelle – 3:40.06*
1,500 Meters (Open Division)
2. Matthew Fayers – 3:45.09*
Men's 5,000 Meters (Elite Division)
10. Shadrack Kipchirchir – 13:37.68*
Women's Individual Results
800 Meters (Open Division)
20. Clara Nichols – 2:08.85
5,000 Meters (Olympic Development Elite)
1. Monika Juodeskaite – 16:00.32*
John Jacobs Invitational
April 18-19, 2014/ John Jacobs Track/ Norman, Okla.
Friday, April 18
Women's Hammer Throw
4. Caitlin Way – 58.15m/190-09
* - Denotes personal best
