Thursday’s quad meet proved to be yet another success for the Washington University Track and Field team. With one more provisional NCAA qualification and several top finishes, the Bears wrapped up a strong home stand and now prepare for the UAA Championships next week.

“I’m really excited for the UAA conference meet,” said sophomore pole-vaulter Morgen Leonard-Fleckman. “It is so much fun to be there and to watch the team come together. Our team is capable of so much and the future performances are sure to be great.”

On the women’s side, sophomore Tricia Frisella finished second in the 1,500 meter in a season-best 4:42.20. Freshman Caitlin Molloy took first in the 100 meter hurdles with a time of 16.68. The 4 X 100 meter relay also took first place, finishing in 49.09 seconds.

The field events were another strong point, with individual Bears winning or placing in several events.

Junior thrower Delaina Martin finished second in the shot put with a throw of 12.31m. She also won the hammer throw (46.18m) and finished fourth in the discus (38.75m).

Freshman Jacqueline Liat Rome placed third in the discus with a throw of 39.04m.

“There are six fulltime throwers (seven if you count our heptathlete), and that’s the largest number we’ve had in a while,” said Martin. “We have some good girls coming through, and we’re looking for big things in the future.”

Freshman Alli Alberts also won the women’s javelin with a commanding throw of 32.61 meters.

The men’s side had several bright spots as well. The 4 x 100 relay placed second with a time of 41.97 to provisionally qualify for NCAA competition.

The long distance events were again strong for the male harriers, with senior Greg Reindl winning the 1,500 meter run in a time of 3:59.68. In the 5,000 meter run, all of the top finishers came from the University.

Sophomore Brandon Brown won with a time of 15:41.73, senior Derek Leidigh took second (15:51.73) and sophomore Jeff Bayers took third (16:10.71).

Junior high jumper Cameron Williams posted a season best 2.00 meters in his second place finish and classmate Matt Amantea won the long jump with a leap of 6.69m. Senior Dave Skiba placed second in the javelin (42.20m).

Of the squad’s overall success, Leonard-Fleckman said, “Besides UAA’s, I would love to see a large group go to nationals. We have so many people who have either already qualified or are close to it.”

The Bears will travel to Ohio this weekend to take on the rest of the UAA in the conference championships, looking to emulate the success they have had throughout this season.

“At indoor nationals, we set a goal for outdoors: to have enough people to bring a bus to the meet. I know we can do it, and it would make nationals that much more fun,” said Leonard-Fleckman.

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