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May 3, 2008

2008 BIG EAST Outdoor Track & Field Championship results

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Marquette University completed its second day of competition at the BIG EAST Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday. A number of Golden Eagles established new personal records, while MU sophomore Rachel Thiel set a school record in the women's shot put. Sunday marks the third and final day of the meet at Jumbo Elliot Track.

Thiel threw 14.91m (48-11.00) on her third attempt in the shot put, but still finished fifth in the highly competitive BIG EAST conference meet. Although some did not have as good of races or marks as early indications may have led some to expect, a few Golden Eagles posted performances that exceeded expectations, but some student-athletes were not rewarded with medals due to the competitive nature of the BIG EAST and 16 teams vying for titles.

Carrie Schmid placed third in the women's pole vault with a mark of 3.80m (12-05.50), approximately two inches off of her school record vault, but still her highest ever placing at the conference meet.

Sarah Verdoliva narrowly missed qualifying for the finals with a time of 2:13.34 in the women's 800 meters, as did Eric Meissner who ran a PR of 1:51.56 in the men's 800-meter prelims.

"They were both pretty frustrated about the fact they thought they ran some good races, and they did runs some good races, but still did not qualify for the finals," said Rogers. "It just goes tot show you how tough of a conference [the BIG EAST] is to compete in."

Freshman Tyler O'Brien earned a trip to the finals in the men's 200 meters as his time of 21.49 in the event was the third fastest time in school history and a new MU freshman record. Also qualifying for the finals was Cassie Peller with a time of 4:31.68 in the women's 1,500 meters. Peter Bolgert placed sixth in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:15.45.

Continuing over from yesterday's opening events, Tom Sage was able to finish 13th Saturday in the men's decathlon after completing the day with a strained hamstring.

"Tomorrow we have a lot of events with all of the finals and just wrapping things up," said Rogers. "The team is pumped. Some cases, we did as we expected. Overall, as a team had some really good performances and some we hoped we would do better at. But we're looking forward to competing tomorrow and seeing what we can do."