Recap | Salukis start off strong at Saluki Fast Start - Southern Illinois University Athletics

Dallas Hodge

Recap | Salukis start off strong at Saluki Fast Start

12/06/2024 | 10:31:00 | Track and Field

By: Cooper Bentley

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University's track and field program kicked off its indoor season Friday, hosting the Saluki Fast Start at the SIU Recreation Center.

Day one of the Saluki Fast Start kicked off with the women's pentathlon featuring Finja Lorsbach and Kelsey Pacha. The young duo finished top-10 in three of the five events. Lorsbach finished in fifth place, followed by Pacha in seventh.

Jumps coach Jake Brydson gave his thoughts on the duo.

"I am very proud of the passion they competed with through five events, both had results that we are very excited about," Brydson said. "Kelsey had a 250-point improvement from her prior school and Finja's uphill battle is a testament to how mentally strong she is."

The Men's heptathlon followed suit with a dominant performance from Jadon Robertson, who finished in first place in three of four events. Robertson heads into day two in first place, with a 352-point lead. Day two will host three events to close out the heptathlon.

Coach Brydson shared his thoughts on Jadon's performance today.

"Jadon has done so much as a Saluki but is still new to the combined events. I am excited to see how he does in the events tomorrow," Brydson said. "Hurdles is his best even right now, and pole vault has been a major working point this fall."

Brydson continued, "Jadon is on the precipice of putting everything together."

The men's throwers took the stage with the weight throw event, coming up just behind first place. Dallas Hodge battled through injury but was able to fight through and unleash a round three distance of 17.07 meters, just shy of the lead by .13 meters. Hodge got the final throw of the event, backed by his Saluki teammates, and just missed wide on an 18-meter throw.

The women closed out day one in the weight-throw event. They filled the leaderboard, finishing with five top-seven finishes. The Salukis were led by Halaya Woodson with a 16.38-meter throw, outpacing the rest of the field by two meters.

Day two of the Saluki Fast Start will continue at 9 a.m.

Full day one results can be seen here.

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