LAKE CHARLES – The Southeastern Louisiana men’s track and field team won the McNeese State Indoor Invite Friday, topping the home standing Cowboys by 48 points. In the women’s division, the Cowgirls captured first place, tallying 22 more points than second place Southeastern.
“Overall, we had some great performances from people that trained over the break,” head coach Sean Brady said. “Plus, we had a few pleasant surprises.”
There were plenty of highlights for the Lions, but maybe none bigger than a pair of school record performances. Shannon Grover set the new standard in the 55 meter dash, an event where Southeastern had four of the top five finishers, putting up a time of 5.34 seconds. Adlus Wiltz assured his place in the record book with a 1:21.84 mark in the 600 meter run.
Adonson Shallow continued his dominance among male throwers, winning the weight throw and shot put events. Amber Thomas was the best among female shot put athletes. Southeastern swept the pole vault competition, as Brittany Phantz took the women’s title and Kovey Simmons won on the men’s side. Michael Rheams topped the men’s long jump field. Michelle Ogashi was the best among female triple jumpers. Erika Payton crossed the finish line first in the women’s 200 meter dash. Rounding out Southeastern’s winners was Kernell Jupiter, the best in the men’s 55 meter hurdle finals.
On the men’s side, Southeastern finished with 184.5 points, followed by McNeese State (136.5), South Alabama (78.5), Sam Houston State (63.5) and Grambling State in last (53). The McNeese State women led the way with 129 points, ahead of Southeastern (107), South Alabama (99), Grambling State (84) and Sam Houston State (75).
“We’re where we need to be,” Brady said. “If I had to grade us, it’s a strong C performance. To win conference, we’ll have to get an A+. The year is young and we’ve got plenty of time.”
Competition will get much stiffer next week, as Southeastern travels to Baton Rouge for the LSU Purple Tiger Invitational. The meet will be held Friday and Saturday at the Carl Maddox Field House.