LAWRENCE, KANSAS - Northwestern Oklahoma State opened their indoor track season on Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas hosted by the University of Kansas. The Rangers traveled 12 athletes to the meet. The program picked up where the team left off last season at the outdoor championship with making school history as three school records were broken with multiple personal bests set in the opening meet of the season.
"Our women's program picked up where they left off at the GAC outdoor Championship as a team on the move," stated Coach Jill Lancaster. " We appreciate the opportunity to start our season this early with a handful of our team. We are preparing for finals and our excitement is high for what is to come in the 2023 season. I am very proud of our athletes along with Coach Young and Broomfield. The depth of the team is exciting to see."
The Rangers had nine runners in the 60 meter dash. Brianna Brantley and Debbie Olalere paced Northwestern as they tied in the final heat with a 7.86 which sets the new school record which was previously 8.07. Darianne Thompson found herself tying that mark with a 7.95 in the heat. Diamond Hilton, Valerie Nzeakor, Riley Midgett, Krissalynn Henderson, Kenya Jackson, and Shakira Lane all placed in the top 20 for the 60 meter dash.
In the 200 meter dash Brianna Brantley started where she left off last year setting records as the sophomore broke her own school record with a 25.75 placing third overall in the 200 meter dash. Debbie Olalere, Krissalynn Henderson, and Darianne Thopmson all placed in the top 15 as Olalere ran a 26.77 good for a 12th place finish, followed by Henderson at 26.81 with a 13th place finish as Thompson placed 14th with a 26.86 finish. Midgett ran a 27.21 placing 18th followed by Diamond Hilton with 27.25 good for 19th place. She was followed by Shakira Lane, Nzeakor, Renaja Engermann, and Kenya Jackson.
The Rangers had two athletes place in the top 30 of women's shot put in Temi Michaels and Hannah Appleton. Michaels placed 8th in shot put with a final mark of 9.37m. Appleton placed 10th following her best throw at 8.52m.
In her first meet with the Rangers Valerie Nzeakor broke the school record in long jump. Nzeakor set the record with her best jump at 5.45m 17-10.75. This mark was good for second place overall finish.
60 Meter Dash:
8. Brianna Brantley -7.86 (PR &SR)
9. Debbie Olalere - 7.86 (PR)
11 Darianne Thompson - 7.95 (PR)
13 Diamond Hilton - 8.02 (PR)
14 Valerie Nzeakor-8.09
16 Riley Midgett - 8.11(PR)
18. Krissalynn Henderson -8.23 (PR)
19 Kenya Jackson - 8.24
20.Shakira Lane - 8.33
200 Meter Dash:
3. Brianna Brantley -25.36 (PR & SR)
12. Debbie Olalere - 26.77 (PR)
13. Krissalynn Henderson - 26.81 (PR)
14. Darianne Thompson - 26.86 (PR)
18. Riley Midgett - 27.21 (PR)
19. Diamond Hilton 27.25 (PR)
21. Shakira Lane- 27.72 (PR)
24. Valerie Nzeakor - 28.06 (PR)
25. Renaja Engermann -28.16 (PR)
27. Kenya Jackson - 28.50 (PR)
Shot Put:
8. Temi Michaels 9.37m 30-9.00 (PR)
10. Hannah Appleton 8.52m 27-11.50
Long Jump:
2. Valerie Nzeakor 5.45m 17-10.75 (PR &SR)
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Women's Track and Field, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.
