by Tiara Pajimola
The women had their first official outdoor meet last Saturday at the Dusty Lane Open at Spokane Falls Community College taking second place in the overall team scoring. They totaled 156 points in the team scoring but fell short behind Washington State University with 187. There were two first place winners with sophomore Christina Dobbins in high jump (1.68m) and freshman Kellyn Roiko in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (11:58.2).
“I was happy for the most part, “Dobbins said. “I had good competition in high jump.”
Dobbins also competed in filler events to get her practice for the heptathlon. These are events that aren’t normal for the competitor but are tried during a meet for practice. She took second in the hurdles (15.91) and third in the long jump (5. 02m).
“The hurdles were challenging because it was so windy so it wasn’t a great time, “Dobbins said. “But I had fun practicing those events.”
As for the team, things are looking up.
“I’m excited for the girls this year,” Dobbins said. “We have a lot of depth in the events and it’s going to be a good season. We’ve definitely gotten stronger.”
Freshman Kerry Wright set a new Whitworth record in the women’s javelin with a throw of 45.42 meters. The old record was set last season by Cassidy Stevick with a throw of 38.97 meters. She is now number one in the nation in javelin for the Division III level.
“I’m honored,” Wright said. “But it hasn’t sunk in yet.”
It gave her more confidence for conference.
“Now I know I’m a contender,” Wright said. “I hope I can grab the conference title but I know that will take hard work. My teammates and coaches have been incredible and they are the ones who motivate me.”
For the women taking second in the team scoring, Wright was satisfied.
“We only lost to WSU which is a [Division I] school so that’s pretty impressive.” Wright said. “The women’s team stepped up coming off from Willamette and it shows how we can win conference.”
The weather wasn’t the best and the team endured a cold and windy meet.
“It was pretty cold towards the end but weather shouldn’t be a factor,” Wright said. “We didn’t let it affect our performance and our efforts were great.”
Contact Tiara Pajimola at tpajimola16@my.whitworth.edu