The Aztecs proved to be the best track and field team in California and Nevada for the fourth straight year on Saturday. No. 11 San Diego State finished the Cal/Nevada Championships with 178 points, 55 points more than second place California State University, Long Beach, which finished with 123.
[quote]“Winning this meet gives us a feel for what we should expect for ourselves when we go out and perform and that’s winning,” redshirt junior Jasmine Burrell said.[/quote]
The Aztecs claimed the top spot in 11 out of 20 events during the two-day meet that had 25 scoring teams. Burrell led the team, winning each of her three events. She started off with a mark of 53.27 meters in the discus throw. On Saturday, Burrell threw 15.30 meters in the shot put and 54.95 meters in the hammer throw.
Junior Kristen Brown also had a successful weekend, winning both of her events. Her jump of 3.90 meters in the pole vault tied with fellow Aztec, junior Kortney Ross. But fewer misses at a lesser height gave Brown the top spot. Out on the track, Brown edged out her teammate, senior Allison Reaser, in the 100-meter hurdles in 13.62.
Reaser was back on the track Saturday afternoon for the 400-meter hurdles. Her time of 58.78 was enough for first place.
Other first place finishes for the Aztecs came from junior Dynasty Gammage in the 800-meter, sophomore Chelsea Kruthers in the 1500-meter and senior Shanieka Thomas in the long jump.
[quote]“It’s extremely important for everyone to score, but also perform like the champions they are,” Burrell said. “The goal is for everyone to execute and compete with confidence and pride. That’s how we win championships.” [/quote]
The Aztecs also swept the meet awards. Burrell, who was named the Mountain West Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week last Tuesday, took the outstanding field athlete of the meet honors after winning all of the throwing events. Reaser won the outstanding track athlete of the meet for the second straight year.
Head coach Shelia Burrell was named coach of the meet for the second straight year for her team’s efforts.
Next up for the Aztecs is the Mt. Sac Relays from April 16-19.
Photo by Jordan Owen, Senior Staff Photographer
