Smeeton in Stride in Condensed Day One of Joe Walker Invitational

Smeeton in Stride in Condensed Day One of Joe Walker Invitational

April 09, 2021 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track, Cowgirl Cross Country & Track

OXFORD, Miss. – Ryan Smeeton's facility-record-setting event win in the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase was the highlight of Oklahoma State's first of two days from the Joe Walker Invitational.

In his first race of the 2021 outdoor season, Smeeton's finished in a time of 8:51.73; the pace is a facility record for the Ole Miss Track and Field Complex, third-fastest in the Big 12 and sixth-fastest in the NCAA this season.

The senior hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada has made a name for himself in the outdoor race in his time at Oklahoma State. Smeeton finished as the national runner-up in the event at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

"Ryan had a successful season opener," men's distance coach Justin Duncan said. "The focus of this weekend was to hit a regional qualifying time and he did just that. To take the win and get the facility record is surely exciting and a great way to cap off the night."

Along with Smeeton, a pair of distance Cowgirls in Taylor Roe and Sivan Auerbach found success of their own in the women's 1,500 meters. Both in the first outdoor season of their collegiate careers, Roe and Auerbach each set new personal bests on the way to third and ninth place finishes, respectively.

At the conclusion of the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase, meet officials called for a postponement due to inclement weather. An updated meet schedule will be made available as soon as it is released.

Men's Individual Results

3,000 Meter Steeplechase
1. Ryan Smeeton - 8:51.73
8. Jonas Price - 9:14.41
10. Bryce Quigley - 9:15.11

Women's Individual Results

1,500 Meters
3. Taylor Roe - 4:13.99
9. Sivan Auerbach - 4:19.24
24. Stephanie Moss - 4:28.86