Track: Stechschulte Wins BIG EAST Pentathlon Title
February 17, 2007 07:10 PM | General
February 17, 2007
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| Abbie Stechschulte |
AKRON, OHIO – Junior Abbie Stechschulte defended her BIG EAST pentathlon title, winning her second consecutive crown in convincing fashion with 4,016 points at the first day of the BIG EAST Championship on Saturday, Feb. 17, in Akron, Ohio.
“I’ve never been more proud of an athlete and the way she battled for the win,” says sixth year coach Jeff Huntoon. “She did an absolutely fantastic job to get herself back to first.”
Stechschulte led the field after the 60 meter hurdles (8.69) and the high jump (1.59 meters), but fell to third following the shot put (12.47 meters). Determined to win, Stechschulte performed exceptionally in the long jump (5.92 meters) and the 800 meter run (2:21.80), securing the title.
Today’s point total for the Columbus Grove, Ohio, native is a personal best and just 95 points shy of the school record (4,111 points).
The rest of the Mountaineers performed above expectations on Saturday, earning 16 points, good enough for sixth place. They trail leader Notre Dame by 10 points.
“I told the girls last night that I wanted a few surprises today,” says Huntoon. “They definitely delivered.”
Senior Alexis Noel took eighth in the long jump (5.54 meters), while sophomore Clara Grandt finished seventh in the 5000 meter run (16:57.91).
Also turning in a great performance for WVU was the distance medley relay team. The squad, comprised of juniors Alison Spiker and Maria Stover and sophomores Karly Hamric and Brittany Hohn, ran to a sixth place finish with a time of 11:53.84.
The Mountaineers return to action tomorrow, Feb. 18, for the Championship’s second day.
