STANFORD, Calif.—A pair of school records went down in the sprints to highlight the second and final day of competition for Concordia at the Stanford Invitational on Saturday.

In addition to the school records, two new NAIA Outdoor provisional marks were posted as well as four improvements from provisional to automatic status.

The women’s 1,600-meter relay team consisting of Stephanie Persaud, Junia Limage, Catherine Sims and NyEma Sims toured the track in 3:50.45 to dip below the former school record of 3:50.67 and earn the national championships ‘A’ standard while NyEma Sims was clocked in at 24.38 for a new school record in the 200. Both times would top the 2011 NAIA Outdoor performance list according to results submitted prior to the weekend.

The contingent of women throwers provided the bulk of the CU accolades on Saturday as three new auto marks were listed among the group. Gabriella Dixson and Katherine Tripp upgraded to automatic status in the discus with Dixson unleashing a 145-8 and Tripp a 143-1 to approach personal records in the event.

Dixson improved upon her season-best in the hammer throw with a 166-8, but was bested by teammate Sharayah Kenady with a career-best 169-7 which would also be the top mark in the nation according to the NAIA performance list. Also competing in the hammer, Amanda Federici tackled the ‘B’ standard with a 156-0.

The final new qualifier came from Eric Whalen with a 50-8 1/4 effort in the men’s shot put, nearly a three-foot improvement over last week’s mark at the University of Oregon.

“It was a much better day today in the throws and we had some outstanding races, especially in the women’s relay. It’s definitely a good suing to run that fast this early as we aren’t our sharpest yet,” CU head coach Randy Dalzell said. “Next week we will open up our distance athletes that have been waiting to compete.”

 

Pena Smashes CU 1,500 Record at Stanford

Friday Recap

 

STANFORD, Calif.—Competing at the home venue of a Pac 10 school for the second straight week, Concordia University's Cory Pena highlighted track & field action with a school record in the 1,500 at the Stanford Invitational on Friday.

Pena placed first in his section with a 3:49.84 to shatter the previous record of 3:52.28 held by former Cavalier Erik Burck. Just last week, Pena established a new school record in the 800.

“Cory ran a great race. He took control with 300 to go and put a nice personal record,” CU head coach Randy Dalzell said. “Breaking 3:50 is a big barrier that will be a great confidence builder as he continues to be a dual threat. We'll get to see what he has left in the tank tomorrow in the 800.”

The mark was one of three new NAIA Outdoor Championship automatic qualifiers the Cavaliers registered on Friday. In addition to Pena's mark, Andria Scheese made the 'A' standard in the women's 1,500 with a 4:38.72 and Junia Limage dipped under the auto standard in the 800 with a 2:14.21 while competing across town at the San Francisco Distance Carnival hosted by San Francisco State University.

Two new provisional marks were posted as well with Chris Wilson reaching the 'B' standard in the 110-meter hurdles with a 14.92 and Jesse Staub in the javelin with a toss of 189-6.

Competing in the hammer, Bo Johnson won the collegiate section of the event with a 179-5, a mark almost two feet better than the next competitor.

NyEma Sims scored a 56.41 in the open 400 to improve upon her NAIA automatic qualifying mark. Sims ran a 57.51 last week as the Oregon Relays and now holds the second-best time in school history in the event.  

“Under the conditions, we were outstanding on the track today,” CU head coach Randy Dalzell said. “Unfortunately, throwing wise we didn't get out of it what we were hoping to due to trying to fight through the weather, but we aren't done yet.”

Action continues at the Stanford Invitational on Saturday where nine individuals as well as the women's 1,600-meter relay will compete for the Cavaliers.

 

 

Women’s Results – Saturday

200: 12. NyEma Sims, 24.38; 31. Catherine Sims, 25.34; 38. Stephanie Persaud, 25.63. Discus (College): 5. Gabriella Dixson, 145-8 (44.39m); 7. Katherine Tripp, 143-1 (43.62m). Hammer (College): 3. Sharayah Kenady,  169-7 (51.68m); 6. Gabriella Dixson, 166-8 (50.81m); 14. Amanda Federici, 156-0 (47.55m); 16. Kayla Xavier, 150-9 (45.95m). 1,600 Relay: 10. Concordia, 3:50.45 (S. Persaud, J. Limage, C. Sims, N. Sims).

 

Men’s Results – Saturday

800: 16. Cory Pena, 1:52.18. Triple Jump: 8. Branko Djuricic, 45-1 1/2 (13.75m). Pole Vault: Ben Cogdill, NH. Shot: 7. Eric Whalen, 50-8 1/4 (15.45m).

 

Women’s Results - Friday

100: 23. Stephanie Persaud, 12.36. 400: 17. NyEma Sims, 56.41; 30. Catherine Sims, 58.44. 1,500: 5. Andria Scheese, 4:38.72. Shot (Invitational): 7. Kayla Xavier, 45-6 1/4 (13.87m); 10. Katherine Tripp, 42-4 3/4 (12.92m). Javelin (Invitational): 7. Aria Nojima, 130-0 (39.62m).

 

Men’s Results - Friday

1,500: 1. Cory Pena, 3:49.84. 110 Hurdles: 13. Chris Wilson, 14.93. 400 Hurdles: 23. Chris Wilson, 56.44.

Hammer (College): 1. Bo Johnson, 179-5 (54.68m); 11. Anthony Lantz, 159-10 (48.71m). Javelin (Invitational): 9. Jesse Staub, 189-6 (57.76m). Javelin (College): 6. Tim Wyland, 182-1 (55.51m); 12. Eric Whalen, 174-4 (53.14m). 

 

 

 

Women’s Results

800: 1. Junia Limage, 2:14.21

 

Men’s Results

5,000: 31. Marcus Nelson, 15:11.50.