Eastern track’s strong performance builds momentum
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
The Eagles put together strong performance at Cougar classic.
COURTESY PHOTO/EWU ATHLETICS/BRAEDEN HARLOW
PULLMAN — The Eastern Washington University Eagles wrapped up a successful weekend at the Cougar Classic, with standout performances in the field events setting the tone, according to a statement by Eastern Washington Athletics.
“Our first-year sensation Cort Gebbers uncorked a throw in the discus that landed him top 3 in school history and top 3 in the conference,” said director of track and field/cross country Erin Tucker. “All it takes is one throw, and guess what, he is not done. Coach Maj has got this young man clicking, and I love their dynamic, especially with her being a former discus thrower.”
Men's Highlights
Cort Gebbers led the way with a personal-best throw of 55.01m (180-05) in the discus, launching him to third all-time in program history. His mark also placed him 69th nationally and 46th in the West Region. Logan Ashbeck delivered a season-best in the javelin, throwing 60.54m (198-07) to earn a third-place finish.
In the hammer throw, J.J. Niuamoa claimed fourth place, followed closely by Javen Livas in sixth. Livas also placed fifth in the shot put, where Koda Woodard recorded a personal-best throw of 14.99m (49-2.25). In the long jump, Nic Cunningham secured fourth place with a leap of 6.66m (21-10.25).
On the track, Noah Holden led the men in the 1500m, finishing sixth with a time of 4:00.03.
Women's Highlights
“Another first-year field eventer put herself into conference scoring position and that is Anne Shipp, I've had a running joke with her all year about high jumping (HJ) and not high leaning. The HJ is an athletic but highly technical event. The key is to jump first. I've seen the progress she has made with Coach Jo all year, and I love that it has come together. I am glad she remembered to jump first,” she said.
The women delivered a strong showing across multiple events. Anne Shipp finished fifth in the high jump with a jump of 1.61m (5-1.25). Dyvhon Fonoti earned third place in the discus with a throw of 42.40m (139-01) and also took ninth in the hammer. In the same event, Dyvhine Fonoti placed fifth.
Gilana Wollman finished second in the triple jump with a mark of 5.44m (17-10.25), while Rachel Hard followed in third. Zoe Dunn added a fourth-place finish in the triple jump. In the javelin, Saira Schener and Kimberly Smith placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Suzie Woodall claimed third in the pole vault, with Reghan Skogen and Breauna Erikson tying for fourth.
On the track, Nattie Ruzauskas impressed with a second-place finish in the 3,000m steeplechase, clocking 10:57.15. Madi Carr took fourth in the 1,500m (4:49.84), and Faith Martienz earned third in the 800m with a time of 2:16.54.
EWU moves on to prepare for the Oregon State High Performance Meet set for May 2.
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