The Portland State track and field squad travelled to Texas last week to compete at the NCAA West Regional. Though none of the Vikings advanced to nationals based on their results in Austin, the team turned in several strong performances. Two athletes made it to the semifinals in their events: Bianca Martin in the 1,500-meter and Jazmin Ratcliff in the 100-meter hurdles.
Vikings compete at NCAA West Regional
The Portland State track and field squad travelled to Texas last week to compete at the NCAA West Regional. Though none of the Vikings advanced to nationals based on their results in Austin, the team turned in several strong performances. Two athletes made it to the semifinals in their events: Bianca Martin in the 1,500-meter and Jazmin Ratcliff in the 100-meter hurdles.
“I thought we represented well,” assistant coach Seth Henson said. “The University of Texas put on an incredible track meet in an incredible facility. Our kids got there, and some got…[personal records], but everyone was pretty close to their season bests.”
The season is not quite over for Portland State, however. Joenisha Vinson won the heptathlon event at the Big Sky Championships earlier this month and will move on to nationals. Henson has been working with Vinson to prepare her for the meet, which will take place in Eugene next week. After that, the USA Track & Field Junior/Senior Nationals are scheduled for June 19–23 in Des Moines, Iowa, where Sydney Johnson will compete in the discus throw.
“The Vikings aren’t done yet,” Henson said. “I am definitely excited for these two young ladies. There is more that they can do. Sydney still has a bigger throw in her and I think Joenisha has a much bigger score in her. The cool thing for me as a coach is [that] they believe it too.”
