Eastern Michigan University finished the EMU Invite, Saturday, with much to be proud about on Bob Parks Track inside Bowen Fieldhouse.
Sophomore Ashlee Abraham led the way winning the women’s 60-meter dash with a near record time, 7.47, just two-hundredths of a second shy of the record held by Latrese Taylor of Akron, set in 2000.
Abraham also came in second in the women’s 200-meter dash with a time of 24.75.
Abraham captured her victory in the 60-meter dash over a former NCAA champion from U of M, Tiffany Ofili.
“I was like whoa, I would never do that,” Abraham said with a chuckle. “I was very proud of myself, and I was very proud of our young team.”
The Eagles competed alongside athletes from the University of Michigan, Seina Heights, University of Detroit and Oakland University.
Coming off a Field Athlete of the Week performance for the week ending Dec. 11, junior Angela Scarber finished her throwing atop placing first in the shot-put, 43-05.75, and second in the weight throw, 53-11.75.
Coach Sue Parks was pleased with her team’s performance.
“The meet went really well; we had solid performances,” Parks said. “This meet was more of an ice-breaker. We want to build from here. I’m excited for the team and am looking forward to improve and get better every week.”
EMU ran well across the board. Junior Shantavia Williams finished first, 56.88, in the Women’s 400-meter run, while sophomore Asia Rawls finished third, 57.02
Junior Beverly Elcock continued her stellar running finishing first in the women’s 800-meter run with a time, 2:14.01, while the mile runners senior Lauren and sophomore Rachel Quaintance finished in second and fourth.
Sophomore Tiffany Kincaid finished first in the 3,000-meter run, and the women’s relay teams in the 4×400-meter relay posted first and third placed finishes.
Abraham is optimistic on what her team can do down the road leading to the MAC championships.
“Right now we are coming together as a team,” Abraham said. “We could win. Our goal is to win the indoor and outdoor MAC. With an improving team and staff we can do well to take us to the top.”
Other notables worth mentioning were senior Captain Jessica Hemmingway swept the pole vault competition reaching a height, 12-11.50, and freshmen Shnell Wishart and Erv Bazile took first and second in the triple jump. Wishart jumped the furthest at 41-01.75 as Bazile followed with a jump at 35-03.75.
On the men’s side of things, highly recruited freshman Brycen Spratling finished first in the 600-meter run with a time, 1:20.22. Sophomore Vanier Joseph had a strong performance in the 60-meter hurdles at 7.93.
Coach John Goodridge is looking forward to returning to practice this week after a long two week layoff from the holidays.
“We had several encouraging performances,” Goodridge said. “Now it’s time to look forward, and start prepping Monday.”
Junior Kevin Lanier followed his school record performance in the previous track meet with a first placed finish in the long jump with a leap of 24-02.50, a personal best.
“Overall, we are pleased with our effort,” Goodridge said. “Lanier had some career bests; we are pleased with our freshman Brycen.”
Lanier in the men’s triple jump, freshman Marcus Williams edged out junior Anthony Bradley to take second with a jump of 44-04.25. Bradley finished third jumping a 43-09.25.
Senior Andrew Meyer stood out in the throws finishing second in the shot-put with a throw of 52.02.00 and a fourth place finish in the weight throw at 51-08.50.
The men’s 4×4000-meter relay team took second, third and fourth finishes.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us to get ready for the MAC championships,” Goodridge said. “Now is a good opportunity to refocus and evaluate where they are today. Monday it’s back to preparation.”
Competition continues Friday for the men’s track and field team as they travel to Mount Pleasant to compete in a triangular vs. Central Michigan, Detroit while the women’s track and field compete all day Friday at the Bob Eubanks Open.
