Astor sets new Lehigh record as Mountain Hawks wrap up busy weekend

Thursday, March 27

Rock Hill, S.C.

Lehigh University

Winthrop Invite

Astor sets new Lehigh record as Mountain Hawks wrap up busy weekend

3/29/2014 5:46:00 PM | Women's Track and Field

Winthrop Results | Raleigh Relays Results | Lafayette Eight-Way Results

ROCK HILL, S.C. – The Lehigh women's track and field team put on a strong showing at three separate meets Thursday through Saturday. Most Mountain Hawks traveled south to the Winthrop Invitational and Raleigh Relays, while others stayed nearby to compete in the Lafayette Eight-Way. The weekend was highlighted by senior Brooke Astor's record-setting heptathlon win at Winthrop.

"The kids always look forward to these meets because they get to go somewhere warm with pleasant conditions," said head coach Matt Utesch. "It may have been warm, but it was rainy and the conditions were not what the kids looked forward to. Many people would throw in the towel, but our kids didn't do that.

"They came out and showed their character and ran the best they've ever run," continued Utesch. "I'm so proud of them for that and it says a lot about the type of people we have in this program."

Astor started the Mountain Hawks off on the right foot Thursday and Friday at the Winthrop Invitational with a new school record and first-place finish in the heptathlon. Astor accumulated 5,083 points throughout the seven-event competition, besting her own previous school record of 5,016 that was set last season. She finished first in six of the seven events, including a pair of ECAC qualifying marks, a new personal record and a new facility record for Winthrop's Irwin Belk Track. A clip of 14.24 seconds in the 100 meter hurdles and a new-personal best high jump of 1.70m qualifies the senior for ECAC Championships in May, while her 25.75 second 200 meter dash set a new facility record. In the only heptathlon event that Astor didn't win, freshman Sarah Cassidy stepped up to claim first place in the shot put with a new facility record of 10.77m.

"We have such a strong group of multi athletes," said Utesch. "The group is led by one of the most uniquely talented athletes in Lehigh history (Astor) and they all just keep getting better and better."

Senior Jimil Ataman claimed first place in the hammer throw Friday at the Winthrop Invitational with an ECAC qualifying heave of 54.06m. Freshman Courtney Avery continued her impressive rookie campaign with yet another win in the high jump, this time with a leap of 1.65m.

Sophomore Elizabeth Weiler impressed in the 5000 meter race Friday at the Raleigh Relays, finishing tenth with an ECAC qualifying and new personal-best time of 17:02.51. The blistering pace bested her previous personal record by 19 seconds.

Also at the Winthrop Invitational, senior Danielle Albergo completed the 400 meter dash preliminary race in 57.52 seconds on Friday to qualify for Saturday's event finals where she finished third with a mark of 57.39. Junior Shannon Wright ran 1500 meters in 4:56.65 to claim second place. Classmate Peggy Lai placed third in the 3000 meter steeple chase Saturday with a mark of 11:43.20. Freshman Kaitlyn Ruffing finished tenth out of 39 competitors in the 400 prelims with a time of 58.73 in her second-ever collegiate race. Junior Serenah Polite finished 11th in the 100 meter hurdle prelims with a new personal-best time of 15.04. Classmate Carly Deskins placed third in the javelin with a launch of 32.66m.

Sophomore Carlie Skellington captured first place in the 3000 meter steeple chase with a time of 11:52.96 to lead Lehigh at the Lafayette Eight-Way Saturday. Senior Jessica Kendzor finished third in the 400 meter run, crossing the line in 59.70 seconds. A trio of Mountain Hawk freshman took second through fourth in the 800 meter run, led by Amanda Ruschel's clip of 2:21.48.

The Mountain Hawks face archrival Lafayette next Saturday in Easton in the annual Lehigh-Lafayette dual meet.