Finish line in sight

The Vikings wrap up the indoor track and field regular season this weekend in Seattle, Wash., and they are off to Bozeman, Mont., after that for the Big Sky Indoor Championship.

The men’s and women’s teams compete in the University of Washington-hosted Husky Classic on Friday, then turn around to participate in the UW Indoor Open the following day.

“We’ve reached the point in our season where projections, possibilities and progress absolutely must come together with performance on the day of the competition,” head coach Ronnye Harrison said.

Last time out, Portland State was in New York City, N.Y., competing in the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at the world-renowned Armory Track and Field Center. Several Vikings walked away with notable performances to compliment the famous locale. 

Sophomore Joenisha Vinson marked a time of 8.71 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles to tie the school record. Out of 58 runners, including some of the nation’s premier sprinters, Vinson took 20th place. 

In the 200m, junior Karene King finished third with a time of 24.87 seconds. She cut 13 seconds from her previous score to earn her season-best time. Sophomore Geronne Black also earned a new season best in the 60m with a 7.69-second time to place third overall.

As of Feb. 9, four PSU student-athletes made the Big Sky’s top performers, with the top spot belonging to King for her 7.62 in the 60m. The conference’s second-highest score in the heptathlon goes to senior Nick Trubachik for his 5,307 points—just 18 points short of NCAA qualification.

Vinson earned the No. 2 spot in conference in the 60m hurdles and 55m hurdles for her time of 8.71 seconds in the 60m hurdles. Her 8.71 converts to 8.14 in the 55m event.

Sophomore Tony Crisofulli tied for third in the 800m with a time of 1 minute, 53.03 seconds. His finish falls just 2.53 seconds short of NCAA qualification.

After the weekend, the Vikings compete in the Big Sky Indoor Championship on Feb.