The Portland State men’s and women’s track squads competed in Oregon City this weekend at the Clackamas Invitational. The spring season is winding down to its last three weeks and the Vikings have two meets on the schedule before they depart for the Big Sky Championships in Missoula, Mont.
“The team competed very well on a day suited for fine performances,” head coach Tony Veney said.
On the men’s side there were four top finishes, but one of them was nullified by a zone violation. Jim Sattem was able to keep up his pace by once again winning the 100-meters with a time of 10.82 seconds. Evan Garich took second place in the 800-meter and Andre Gittens won his heat of the 400-meter. In the men’s 400-meter relay, the Viks finished well ahead of the pack, but were disqualified for a zone violation in the their final pass.
On the women’s side, Lisa Gunderson won the high jump, clearing a height of 5’6″. Ena Shemi finished second in the 100-meter dash. Kerine Harvey placed first in the 100-meter hurdles, and third in the 100-meter dash. The 1500-meter run showcased three top finishers from Portland State: Jenny Rodgers took first place, followed by Anne Kawasaki and Ashley Tendick with second and third respectively. Kerine Harvey was able to improve her seasonal best in the triple jump from 34′ to 35’9″, finishing in the top six. In the 1600-meter relay, the Vikings’ team of Gunderson, Kawasaki, Tendick and Rodgers came in first place overall. Also for the first time this year, the women’s team had a 400-meter relay team put together. The team of Michelle Thueson, Heidi Stuart, Nikki Petticrew and Jane Gowans, all representing women’s basketball, placed fifth in their heat.
“With the Big Sky championships four weeks away, the major areas we need to work on are staying focused as we wind down a long season (some athletes have been training and racing since October), staying healthy and keeping the competitive fires burning,” Veney added.
Next up for the Vikings is the Oregon Invitational in Eugene. The meet will take place this Saturday.