Track and field are starting to hit their stride in the recent weeks and should be sprinting to the finish line. This improvement was on display over the past two weeks during the Pacific Lutheran University and University of Redlands Invitationals.
In the PLU Invitational (March 9), the men’s outdoor team took second out of 11 teams, while the women’s took fifth out of 13.
The men took the top three spots in the 5000-meter run, and also grabbed the top two spots in the 3000-meter steeple chase.
On the women’s side, two-sport athlete and junior Emily Sheldon (Portland, Ore.) shined in the high jump by posting 1.48 meters.
First-year student Shelby Kanter (Spokane, Wash.) tied for second in the same event with a score of 1.43 meters
In the Redlands Invitational, which occurred on March 20, junior Allanah Whitehall (Seattle, Wash.) shined.
Whitehall was named an All-American during the indoor track and field season and has been posting record-setting numbers in the outdoor season as well.
When discussing the fact that she was an All-American, her hope was that it wouldn’t be on the top of her list of accomplishments.
“It’s been fun, but I would much rather be a National Champion,” Whitehall said.
That truly shows how important the drive to win is.
She set a new school record in the 100-meter race by finishing at 12.05 seconds and breaking her previous record of 12.14 seconds.
She almost broke the 200-meter record when finishing at 25.10. Her previous record was at 25.06 seconds.
There have been some strong times for her, but one stands out immensely.
“I’ve had a lot of big moments already this season, getting the number six All-Time mark in the 60 meter was huge, but nothing beats running at home. Opening the outdoor season here was so much fun, and I can’t wait for the rest of the outdoor season,” Whitehall said.
With all of the accomplishments noted, there are still some things the team and Whitehall herself can work on.
“Even though I had the top time going in to the indoor championships I wasn’t able to get a win there, which is something that I’m just going to have to learn from.
I’m excited to see those girls at the outdoor championships and get some revenge,” Whitehall said.
The teams continue their strong season on Saturday, March 28 in the Peyton Scoring Meet which will be hosted by the Loggers.
