By Stephen ChupaskaStaff Writer
History, as well as Schoolhouse Rock, has taught us that three isindeed a magic number. The Chicago Cubs of the early 1900s hadTinker, Evers and Chance. Cream had Baker, Bruce and Clapton.
After last Saturday’s performance at the Ben Brown Invitational inFullerton, it stands to reason that the San Diego State women’s trackteam can add the names of pole-vaulters Shayla Balentine, JesikaEnglebretson and Tricia Gutierrez to the list.
The Aztecs trio swept the top three positions, each clearing thebar at 12-5 1/2. In doing so, all of them provisionally qualified forthe NCAA Nationals. Head Coach Rahn Sheffield attributed the triumphto pole vault coach Richard Fox.
“He really has changed the face of pole-vaulting,” Sheffield said.”He is one of the pioneers in the event.”
Saturday’s invite, hosted by Cal State-Fullerton, also saw MelindaSmedley continue her recent hot streak in the 200-meters. She tookfirst place for the second consecutive week, this time clocking in at24.13 seconds. Smedley won the 200-meters March 2 at SouthernCalifornia. Sophomore Tonette Dyer finished just behind her teammatein second, five hundredths off the pace at 24.18.
Sheffield expressed his pleasure at their progress this season.
Said the coach: “They have a lot of faith and they are workinglike mature athletes.”
In addition to her second in the 200 meters, Dyer won the400-meter dash outright, freezing the stopwatch at 55.45.
“She dropped five seconds to win,” Sheffield said.
Hollann Givens and Ryan Peters joined Dyer in the top five, comingin third and fourth respectively, with times of 57.08 and 57.50.
Junior Leslie Miller rounded out the Aztecs’ trifecta of topfinishes, with her commanding 60.55 in the 400-meter low hurdles.
“She brings a great deal of experience to the team,” Sheffieldsaid. “Leslie has been on the team for three years, so she reallyknows what it’s all about in terms of competition and how to step upwhen it’s time to close the deal.”
Sheffield was also encouraged the strides the SDSU distancerunners have made under the tutelage of assistant coach JenniferNanista.
“They ran personal records for the second consecutive week,” hesaid. “It says a lot about her, as well as her philosophy ofcoaching.”
Junior Alicia Stewart ran a 10:28.25 in the 3,000-meters, goodenough for sixth place. Hillary Gemmill placed 11th, while AngieFitzpatrick came in 22nd with Fullerton native Tina Fodor rightbehind in 23rd.
Alisha Lasswell came in second in the high jump, clearing 5-5 3/4.
Also, Candace Hill placed sixth in the shot put, at 12.51 meters.
Saturday’s meet was not team scored.
Coming Attractions
This weekend, SDSU will travel to Los Angeles for the second timethis month to go up against defending national champion SouthernCalifornia. National track powerhouse Tennessee was going to attendthe meet, held on campus at USC, but withdrew at the last minute.
However, the Aztecs are anxious to compete against the Trojans.
“I’m looking for some competition,” Sheffield said. “They aregoing to provide that. We’re looking forward to taking on thenation’s best. “
