Heading towards sunshine

This weekend, the Vikings will be migrating south to Sacramento State to compete at the Mondo Invitational. Rumor has it that the weather down there will be sunnier and a bit warmer than here, which is the best weather to compete in at a track meet. With such optimal weather conditions, the Vikings should be able to especially focus on their speed power groups, a sentiment that assistant coach Cassie Stilley echoed.

“For the women sprinters, this meet is a chance to get out there and race fast again after having a down meet last weekend,” Stilley said.

Another goal for this meet is to get those who have barely missed the Big Sky Championship mark so far to improve their times and qualify. The championship will be held at Sacramento State on May 11–14, which adds another perk to this meet – the team will have a chance to test out the track before the big meet.

As for those who barley missed the mark, freshman Shae Carson in the women’s shot put and Luke Leddige in the 110-meter hurdles, were just an inch shy and .02 seconds away from their respective events marks. Then there were sophomores Brittany Long who was 17 seconds short of qualifying in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Nate Lightner was only .30 seconds away in the 400-meter hurdles and Sean Mackelvie was just a foot and three inches short in the triple jump.

If all five were to qualify this weekend that would bring the total number of Vikings qualified up to 18, representing over 20 different events. However, as well as the Vikings have done this season, Sacramento State is currently the top ranked school in the conference.

“It will be a great chance to see how we stack up before the Big Sky (Championships),” said Stilley, “They have a lot of depth and some outstanding individuals in a lot of different events.”

Last year the Mondo Invitational was a big meet for the team. School records in the women’s 100-m hurdles and 4×100 relay, as well as multiple personal records were made. Junior Joenisha Vinson, with a time of 13.84, which still remains her best career time, broke the 100-m hurdles record.

Vinson will also be the only Viking competing next weekend at the Mt. Sac relays, where she will get her second chance at the heptathlon. Her first multi event meet this season was the Cal Multi Event, however due to high winds and rain, the second day of the meet was cancelled. Unfortunately, her fellow multi event teammate junior J.J. Rosenberg has an injury and will be working more on his sprints than another multi event.

Portland State will come back together for the Brutus Hamilton Invitational, held in Berkeley, C.A., on April 22–23. ?