Southern Illinois University
Vanderbilt University
Salukis Close Out Indoor Regular Season, MVC Championships Up Next
02/13/2022 | 7:01:00 | Track and Field
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Southern Illinois Track & Field teams wrapped up their indoor regular season on Saturday at the 2022 Music City Challenge, which was hosted on the campus of Vanderbilt University.
The Salukis looked to close out the regular season on a high note, as they turn their eyes toward the MVC Indoor Championships at the end of February. Events for the Music City Challenge began on Friday afternoon. Dylan Beaird got the action rolling for the Salukis as he was able to record a personal best in the men's weight throw of 17.38m (57' 0.25").
In the women's 1-mile, senior Kayla Schiera finished in 4:53.82. That time was a PR for Schiera by more than 6 seconds, and currently ranks as the 5th best time in SIU history. Claire Ayers was also able to run a sub 5 min mile and record a PR of 4:58.34, which puts her inside the top-10 of the SIU record books as well. Travis Hart was able to record a PR in the men's 1 mile run shortly after with a time of 4:18.99.
Iaunia Pointer had another strong showing in the women's 200m. In a loaded field, Pointer won her heat and finished 3rd overall with a time of 24.01. In the three meets so far this season where she has run the 200m event, Pointer has two wins and one third place finish. She continues to lead the Missouri Valley Conference with her time of 23.90 from earlier this season.
The last action of Friday night belonged to the women's weight throw. Both Elisia Lancaster and Shauniece O'Neal competed in the invitational portion of the weight throw. Lancaster recorded a new PR with a mark of 22.51m (73' 10.25"). That mark ranks her 5th all-time at SIU and is currently the 7th longest throw in the NCAA. Shauniece O'Neal followed up her teammate and recorded 22.18m (72' 9.25") on her 5th throw of the event. With that throw, O'Neal sits at 11th in the NCAA for the indoor season.
Saturday morning began with a record-breaking performance for the Salukis. Kayla Schiera won the women's 3000m event with a new PR of 9:34.61. That time cements Kayla atop the SIU record books, beating out the previous 34-year-old record of 9:42.70, which was held by Vivian Sinou.
Both Josh Delgado (1:54.80) and Ethan Senti (8:23.99) were able to set new PR's in the 800m and 3000m respectively.
A'veun Moore-Jones competed in the Invitational group of the women's shot put. Her third mark of the finals registered in at 17.13m (56' 2.5"). That is her second longest recorded mark of the season, and the second consecutive meet where she has gone over 17.00m.
Bri'Yanna Robinson was able to win the open section of the women's shot put. Her second mark of 16.65m (54' 7.50") was a new personal best and etches her into the 6th place in SIU history. Kayleigh Conlon was able to secure third place with a new indoor PR (15.61m, 51' 2.75").
To close out the Music City Challenge, the SIU men's 4x400 relay team was able to win Heat 2 and place 3rd overall in the event. Omar Rodgers ran the first leg and was able to get out ahead early, giving the salukis a lead heading into the exchange. Darrione Williams and Ja'Den Johnson kept the distance during legs two and three. Senior Corey Sherrod was able to maintain the lead and finish at 3:15.35, which was a season best for the Dawgs.
Final Results can be found here: https://bit.ly/3gKWWWc
The Salukis will be back on the track on Feb. 27-28th when they travel to Chicago, IL to take part in the MVC Indoor Championships.
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on Twitter (@SIUTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC) and Facebook (@SalukiTrackAndField).
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