McNeese's Ben Chretien finishes seventh at Drake Relays

   DES MOINES, IA - McNeese State javelin thrower Ben Chretien did not defend his title at the Drake Relays here Friday but he did accomplish one goal.

        He beat teammate Sam Vidrine for the first time this spring.

        In what Cowboy head coach Brendon Gilroy termed a "heavy downpour", Chretien tossed the javelin 198-4 for seventh place while Vidrine's best was 186-5 and it was for 13th place.

        "It was pouring down rain throughout the javelin throw," Gilroy said, "and it was very difficult to compete in that type of  situation."

        The winning throw in the event was 219 feet by Adam Wollhipps of Nebraska.  Chretien had won the javelin last year with a throw of 220-3.

        The javelin competition was the final one for McNeese at the Drake Relays which continues through Saturday.  On Thursday,Amy Guinn had run seventh in the women's 10,000 meters and Johnathan Koenck had placed ninth in the men's steeplechase.

        Other Cowboys and Cowgirls will take part in either the Rice Relays in Houston or the Texas State relays in San Marcos on Saturday.