University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Drake Relays
Panthers Post Four Valley-Leading Performances at Drake Relays
4/29/2011 8:00:00 AM | Track and Field
DES MOINES, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa track & field team posted four Missouri Valley Conference-leading performances on Friday at the 102nd Drake Relays. Senior Holli Hosch (800m), junior Justin Romero (shot put), junior Sam Kranz (pole vault) and the women's 4x400m relay team all moved to the top of the MVC leaderboard.
Hosch recorded the third-fastest outdoor 800m time in UNI history, earning a fourth-place finish in 2:07.15. The season-best performance also solidifies her spot atop the Missouri Valley conference leaderboard in the event.
Based on times entering Friday, Hosch moved up to No. 14 in the West Region in the 800m, along with holding a lead of more than three seconds on the rest of the MVC.
Romero claimed a fourth-place finish in the shot put, throwing 57-07.75 (17.57m). Romero's mark was a new personal best by 1 foot, 7 inches, and it moves him up to No. 4 all-time at UNI. Romero also surpassed Illinois State's Curtis Jensen for the top throw in the MVC this season and currently ranks No. 20 in the West Region.
The women's 4x400m relay quartet of Olimpia Nowak, Hosch, Michaela Brungardt and Sam Cameron clocked the fifth-fastest time in school history at 3:42.21, but placed 10th and missed qualifying for Saturday's final by two places. The Panthers now hold the fastest time in the conference this year and rank No. 43 in the West Region.
Kranz cleared a season-best 16-10.75 (5.15m) in the men's pole vault to claim 10th place and move to the top of the MVC. Kranz is also now in a tie for 26th in the West Region.
The team of Brady Fritz, Thibault Vandenabeele, Chad Rutledge and Aaron Stockstell finished sixth in the men's 4x800m relay with a time of 7:29.11.
In other action, Nowak placed 19th with a time of 14.42 seconds in the prelims of the 100m hurdles, Jenna Wexter cleared 11-07.75 (3.55m) in the women's pole vault, and senior Rachel VanderHolt threw 119-03 (36.34) for 19th place in the javelin.
Jarred Herring clocked in at 10.97 in the prelims of the 100m to place 14th. Adam McDonnell took 22nd in the javelin, throwing 179-04 (54.66m).
Players Mentioned
