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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The University of Cincinnati track & field programs had a good season opener at the Hoosier Open in Bloomington, Indiana as they posted a combined 20 collegiate best performances. The Bearcats also had a number of performances that moved up in the school's records book.
Junior Kenya Woodall is continuing her success from last season into this year as she ran 7.52 in the 60-meter dash. Her time slides her into second all-time in the Bearcats' record book behind Natasha Burse (7.40; 2011).
Junior high jumper Erika Hurd also put on a show as she cleared a personal-best height of 6' 1.25" and set a new Hoosier Open record. The height puts her second in UC's records book just one-quarter of an inch behind Renee Hein (6' 1.5"; 2007). Hurd's clearance should qualify her for the NCAA Indoor Championships on Mar. 13-14.
Freshman Rebecka Abrahamsson had a great debut for the Bearcats as she won triple jump and set a new meet record with a leap of 40' 9.5". Her impressive jump is less than an inch off the school record of 40' 10.25" held by Shintara Carpenter (2005).
Frida Akerstrom returned to the track after missing all of last season, due to an ongoing injury, and the fifth-year senior came up with a big performance in the weight throw. She recorded a personal record in the event with a toss of 56' 9.25", which keeps her fourth in the UC records book.
In the 1,000-meter run, Kelsey Mueller took second a time of 2:55.20, which is a career-best and ranks third in Cincinnati history.
On the men's side, the sprinters had a quality day in Bloomington, Indiana with Nick Kowaleski starting the meet off with a runner-up finish in the 60-meter dash.
Kevin Konkoly continued the sprinting success as he ran 34.54 in the rare 300-meter dash. His time is the second fastest in UC history.
Graduate transfer Andre Anderson impressed in his first meet wearing Red & Black as he clocked in at 1:04.56 in the 500-meter dash, which ranks fifth in UC history. Freshman Jaashir Morris finished on Anderson's heels with a time of 1:04.83 to earn sixth in the Bearcats' records book.
Senior jumper Michael Nwankwo had a solid performance in triple jump as he left 50 feet, which his just a quarter of an inch under his personal best, for first place.
The Bearcats take off the remainder of the month for winter break. The squad returns to action on Jan. 9-10 in Akron, Ohio at the Akron Pole Vault Convention, which will showcase a full meet schedule.
Dec. 12, 2014