Southern Illinois University
Drake Relays
Schirmer wins 5000m run on first day of Drake Relays
04/28/2011 | 12:00:00 | Track and Field
April 28, 2011
By Michael Benson
SIUSalukis.com
DES MOINES, Iowa - Senior Jeff Schirmer won the men's 5000m race Thursday night as the Saluki track & field team began competition at the 102nd Drake Relays.
Schirmer, who set a new personal record in the race, crossed the finish line in 14:05.37. The senior edged out Wisconsin's Landon Peacock by two seconds and Tulsa's Lewis Timmons - both of whom rank in the top 40 in the West Region - and moved into seventh in SIU history in the 5000m.
"It was nice to see Jeff win and Emily (Toennies) got a personal best," said Saluki head coach Connie Price-Smith. "It was a good two races for them and a good week to do it before conference."
"It was nice to see Jeff win. It's a good prestige thing because you get a lot of great competition."
In the women's 5000m, Emily Toennies set a new personal record with a time of 16:55.50, putting her in seventh place. The time also moved the New Baden, Ill., native to fourth in Saluki annals.
Stephen Arvanis began the day by taking seventh place in the 800m with a time of 1:54.88.
The Salukis return to the track Friday, as Meredith Hayes is scheduled to run in the 100m hurdles. Meanwhile, Gwen Berry will compete in the shot put.
Players Mentioned
