The University of Dallas track and field team had a successful weekend at the East Texas Invitational, hosted by Texas A&M Commerce.
It was an important competition for the team, as it was the final event of the season before the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) at the end of April. Despite the cold and wind on the day, both the men and women’s team competed, and several athletes achieved season bests and personal records (PR).
Freshman distance runner Joseph Boyle ran for a personal record of 17 minutes 41.55 seconds in the 5,000-meter race. Junior mid-distance runner Jonah Costello also set a PR, running the 800-meter race in 2:36.96. Senior sprinter Charles Obegolu also set a PR, running the 100-meter dash in 11.99 seconds. Obegolu shared some thoughts in a text message on his own performance, as well as the team’s, starting off by giving credit to the man above.
“First and foremost I want to thank God for a successful season so far,” Obegolu wrote. “I thank God for blessing me and bestowing me with strength and speed needed for maximum performance each time … My performance last meet is my best so far in all my events … . I felt really good about my performance, I know I did well, and can always definitely get better.”
He went on to thank his coaches and say that he was prepared to work hard for the conference championship.
The throwers also had a good day. Senior Marcos Carmona had a season best 33.76 meter hammer throw. Junior Daniel Layton earned a PR with a discus throw of 22.46 meters.
The women had a successful weekend as well, with the 4×100 relay team running its best race of the season.
The team was composed of Anna Brunk, Hannah Green, Panda Green and Helen Onyenso. Brunk also set a PR in the javelin with a throw of 20.37 meters.
Jules Oliveti set PR’s for both the discus and hammer throw. Emma Kate Callahan, Alondra Hurtado and Nicole Zurita also recorded PRs.
Senior thrower Diana Hassink shared her thoughts on the weekend and how the adversity the team faced due to weather will help them prepare for the upcoming SCAC championships.
”We had a couple of PR’s, which was awesome, but overall I found the weather frustrating since it was 20 mph winds and it was also cold,” Hassink said. “Even though it was a struggle, it helped us grow and hopefully [we will] dominate in conference in two weeks.”
The Crusaders will have reason for confidence due to to the multiple PR’s and season bests. They hope it will carry into the SCAC championships.
