SHAWNEE – For the second time in school history, the Oklahoma Baptist women's track & field team are Great American Conference Outdoor Champions. OBU claimed their first title since 2018 after racking up a record-setting 255 points by the conclusion of the 2022 GAC Outdoor Championships.
Senior Emma Downing was named Most Valuable Player after winning two events and finishing runner-up in two others, accounting for 36 points alone. Then, head coach Ford Mastin was named the GAC Women's Coach of the Year for the second time in his career. He also earned the title in 2018.
DAY ONE
Sophia Strange's and Emma Downing's first and second-place finishes in the 10,000 meters race broke the GAC meet record (37:18.72) set in 2018 by OBU alum Abby Hoover. Strange crossed in 36:49.97 while Downing followed at 36:50.15.
DAY TWO
Kamdyn Moody and Zoee Weaver wrapped up the final day of the Heptathlon with fourth and fifth-place finishes, amassing 4,369 and 4,296 points in seven events.
Moody's run was highlighted by wins in the high and long jump, registering marks of 5-1 (1.55) and 17-1.5 (5.22). Weaver claimed top honors in the Javelin (112-1, 34.17) and 800 meters (2:20.19).
Caitlin Mannon took second in the hammer throw with a heave of 162-6 (49.53m), while Isabella Lotz placed fourth in the triple jump (39-3, 11.72).
In the running events, Mary McKey posted a 1:00.81 in the 400m hurdles prelims to break the GAC meet record and won the 100m hurdles (14.16). Dawnnae Chatman also won the 100-meter prelims, joining a host of people qualifying for the finals.
DAY THREE
In the field action on the Championship's finale, Jade Byrd's 132-10 (40.48) mark earned fourth place, while Anisha Henderson won the long jump with a GAC meet record-breaking leap and PR of 19-6.75 (5.96).
Wrapping up the field activities was Katie's Carter second-place finish in the pole vault (12-5.5, 3.80), followed by Emily Julian in third (11-9.75, 3.60). Carter's mark met the NCAA DII Provisional standard of 3.75m.
In the finals of the 100m, Mary McKey clocked an 11.94 for a second place, ahead of Dawnnae Chatman in fourth (12.06).
Taylor James and Tizhane Brooks took second and third in the 400m, while Mary McKey's 14.14 finish in the 100m hurdles met the NCAA Provisional standard.
McKey broke her GAC meet record (1:00:81) in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:00.76, while teammate Addison Brooks claimed second in 1:01.90, both provisional marks.
Emma Downing won the 1500 meters (4:49.49) and 5000 meters (18:28.18), while taking second in the 800m (2:18.42).
Concluding the day's events were OBU's victories in the 4x400 (3:49.79) and 4x100 (46.75). The latter met the NCAA DII provisional standard.
Oklahoma Baptist will return to action at the West Texas Last Chance meet on May 15 in Canyon, Texas.
