Bison Return Home With Five Wins and Nine NCAA Qualifying Marks

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Oklahoma Baptist track and field teams were split in half this weekend. Field event athletes, along with some hurdlers and a few runners, competed at the UCO Alumni Classic, held at the University of Oklahoma. Then most of the runners competed at the Gorilla Classic at Pittsburg State, in Kansas. Nine NCAA qualifying provisional marks were met between the two events.  
 
In Pittsburg the team had a very good two-day meet. The Bison claimed three first-place finishes. Cameka Witter won the 400 Meter Dash with a time of 54.67, giving her an NCAA qualifying bid. Addy O'Connor, Taylor James, Sherine Van Der Westhuizen, and Witter then took the top spot in the Women's 4x400 Meter Relay with a time of 3:46.14, giving them an NCAA qualifying bid. James Brooklyn took the 60m Hurdles with a time of 8.93. Both of the Men's and Women's 4x800 relays placed second. The men's team was comprised of Zach Coak, Garrett Elmore, Jarrett Ellis, and Blake Rayner and the women's team was comprised of Kayla McGruder, Tesa Potter, O'Connor, and James. The Women's Distance Medley placed second with Allison Derry, Potter, James, and Witter running for the Bison. The women finished with a time of 11:56.45 which also gave them an NCAA qualifying bid. The men's 4x400 met an NCAA qualifying mark in the 4x400 and finished third at PSU.  The team was comprised of Shirvante Knauls, Marcus Petersen, Jax Holland, and Tarees Rhoden. Brandon Crowley claimed an NCAA bid in the Men's 60m Hurdles. Holland and Knauls both earned NCAA bids in the Men's 400m.  
 
In Norman the Bison are bringing home two first place finishes and two NCAA qualifying marks. Emily Julian hit provisional with a personal best to win the pole vault with a vault of 3.74m (12' 3 1/4"). Nathaniel Worley continued his streak with a second provisional effort in as many weeks with 2.05m (6' 8 3/4"). Saleem Fadel took first in the weight throw with a mark of 17.43 (57' 2 1/4). Isabella Lots won the triple jump with a season's best 11.20m (36' 9").

Up next The Bison will participate in Texas Tech Invitational Friday, Feb. 21.