LA JOLLA, Calif. ? The UC San Diego track and field teams wrapped up a solid showing at the 2009 UCSD Triton Invitational on Saturday, competing against a field of over 80 schools, countries, and elite athletes. The women's 4x100 relay team set a new school record to highlight the day's events, while
Leon Baham,
Fred Cook, and
Nick Howe all registered NCAA provisional qualifying marks for the Triton men.
“I thought we really showed well against some tough competition,” head coach
Tony Salerno said. “It was a tremendous asset to our team to have schools from the SEC, Big 12, and PAC 10 in here competing. I think we're in great shape heading into the CCAA Championships next week.”
Christine Merrill,
Katie Skorupa,
Kelly Fogarty, and
Laiah Blue kicked off the day with an excellent showing in the women's 4x100 relay, setting a new program standard with a time of 46.50. The quartet eclipsed their own mark of 46.75 set at the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invite earlier this month.
UCSD finished second in the event behind Central Arizona's team of Kierre Beckles, Karla Hope, Karene King, and Magen DelPino, who finished the race with a time of 46.03.
Baham performed extremely well in the men's 400 meter hurdles, placing fourth overall with a time of 53.10. He finished less than three seconds behind Ben Clark, who won the event at 50.96
Cook had another strong showing in the men's hammer throw, notching an NCAA qualifying mark with a toss of 181'. His mark was good enough 17th place in a field that featured many top throwers from the University of Georgia, Arizona State, and USC.
Howe took home the Tritons' final provisional qualifier on the day, finishing sixth overall in the men's javelin with a toss of 193'10”. Andrew Hall of Foundation Elite placed first at 208'5”.
Lastly,
Casey Ryan turned in another impressive effort in the men's high jump with a leap of 6'10.75”. The school record holder in the event, Ryan finished behind Nebraska's Paul Hamilton and Tennessee's Brenard Wilson.
UCSD will look to continue its recent domination of the league at the 2009 CCAA Championships beginning Thursday at Chico State.
