Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Three Salukis earn MVC Weekly Honors
04/16/2019 | 1:05:00 | Track and Field
Juniors Savannah Long and Willie Rodgers and sophomore Shauniece O'Neal were each named Missouri Valley Conference Athletes of the Week following their performances at the Tennessee Relays, the conference announced Tuesday.Â
Shauniece O'Neal //Â Throws, So. //Â Florrisant, Mo.
Shauniece O'Neal won the discus at the Tennessee Relays with a PR of 176'-6" (50.76m). It was not only a 10-foot personal-best but it is the fourth-longest toss in school history. The Florissant, Mo. native's throw was also the furthest by a Saluki since 2014. With her mark, the sophomore sensation moves up to 21st in the NCAA West Region in the event. O'Neal also placed third in the hammer throw at the Tennessee Relays with her third-straight toss over 200-feet.
Savannah Long //Â Jr., Hurdles //Â DeKalb, Ill.
Savannah Long clocked a personal-best in the 400m hurdles at the Tennessee Relays. The junior hurdler ran 1:00.40 to finish sixth. Her time is the 10th-best time in school history and gives Long her first top-10 school mark of her collegiate career. It also inches her closer to qualifying for her first regional meet as an individual, as she now leads the MVC and ranks 37th in the NCAA West Region in the event.
Willie Rodgers //Â Jr., Jumps //Â Gainesville, Fla.
Willie Rodgers tied his personal-best with a clearance of 6'-8.75" (2.05m) in the high jump to finish seventh at the Tennessee Relays. Rogers also set a season-best in the triple jump at 49'-5.75" (15.08m) to take seventh. His triple jump mark is the best in the MVC and ranks him 26th in the NCAA West Region.
