WICHITA. KANSAS - The Northwestern Oklahoma State Women's Track & Field team completed their two day meet in Wichita, Kansas this past weekend hosted by Friends University. Ranger Valerie Nzeakor reached a milestone for the Rangers as a 5.85 meter long jump put her in the NCAA D2 Provisional Qualifier for the first time in school history.
"Once again the team proved their efforts are paying off. The team really stepped up this weekend in preparation for our ultimate goal, the Great American Conference Championships and beyond" stated head coach Jill Lancaster.
Overall in the Friends Spring Open meet the Ranger athletes had 26 new personal best while also setting four school records. This included Valerie Nzeakor in the long jump, Kelsey Swindle in the Hammer Throw, Hannah Appleton in the Shot Put, and Shackera Douglas in the 100 meter dash. The 4x100 meter relay won the event in this meet along with Nzeakor as the two events the Rangers won.
"The most telling progress was made in the team becoming more united in efforts and supporting teamwork. Their confidence is growing as they know they are on the correct path into the championship season. One of the hardest obstacles for the athletes to grasp is the patience needed to be ready when it counts. They definitely are gaining knowledge of what they are capable of and the many great things that lie ahead" said Lancaster.
The 100 meter dash the Rangers had five athletes compete. Shackera Douglas ran a 12.27 in the preliminaries before a 12.18 in the qualifiers placing 5th overall for the 100 meter dash. Douglas' time ties the school record for the event.
In the 4x100 Meter Relay the Rangers found much success taking first in the event. The relay team set the new school record with a mark of 48.02. This consisted of Darianne Thompson, Brianna Brantley, Shackera Douglas, and Riley Midgett.
Valerie Nzeakor led the way for the Rangers in the long jump as she was number one overall in this event winning the long jump with a mark of 5.85m. Nzeakor with this score puts her in the NCAA D2 Provisional Qualifier for the Long Jump becoming the first one in school history to achieve this milestone.Â
In the women's shot put event Hannah Appleton had the best mark for the Rangers as she placed inside the top 15 at 11 with a mark of 11.58 m. This mark in shot put set the new school record for the Rangers. Emmalee Osborn, and Temi Michaels also competed for the Rangers in this event placing 14th and 36th.Â
The next event for the Rangers was the Hammer Throw as Kelsey Swindle for the second straight week set the new school record for this event. Swindle finished with a mark of 42.13m and placed in the top 10 in ninth place.Â
"Coach Young and Coach Broomfield are great leaders in this process. Our program is blessed to have them guiding these athletes to greater heights. We are looking forward to West Texas this weekend and the opportunities it will bring" Lancaster mentioned.
Avery Dempsey placed in the top 10 with a mark of 2889 m in the Javelin throw for the Rangers as she finished ninth in the event.Â
In the heptathlon Kate Foster placed sixth for the Rangers finishing with a score of 2545.
The Rangers will be back in action on Thursday in Canyon, Texas for a meet hosted by West Texas A&M from April 6th through the 8th.Â
WOMEN 100 METER DASH:Â
5. Â Shackera Douglas 12.18
13. Brianna Brantley 12.49
25. Debbie Olalere 12.77
29. Aja Johnson 12.84
32. Diamond Hilton 12.91
WOMEN 200 METER DASH:
14. Brianna Brantley 25.80
18. Tavonyia Lacy 25.87
22. Darianne Thompson 26.00
34. Diamond Hilton 26.41
35. Aja Johnson 26.52
36. Shakira Lane 26.55
40. Renaja Engermann 26.76
65. Gina Wilson 28.00
WOMEN 400 METER DASH:
13. Shakira Lane 1:00.31
14. Renaja Engermann 1:00.34
26. Riley Midgett 1:02.27
34. Debbie Olalere 1:04.06
48. Emilie Brown 1:31.93
WOMEN 800 Meter Run:
21. Jasmin Garcia 2:33.71
WOMEN 1500 METER RUN:
23. Jasmin Garcia 5:24.48
47. Addie Hoeme 5:56.51
52. Jerika Coon 6:16.30
54. Mallory Paruszewski 6:34.28
WOMEN 5000 METER RUN:
18. Liberty Goodnow 20:45.99
WOMEN 100 METER HURDLES:
25. Gina Wilson 17.33
WOMEN 4x100 METER RELAY:
1. Thompson, Brantley, Douglas, Midgett 48.02
WOMEN HIGH JUMP:
17. Gina Wilson 1.42m
17. Takia Zachary 1.42m
WOMEN LONG JUMP:
1. Â Valerie Nzeakor 5.85m
20. Gina Wilson 5.03m
33. Ladasheray Bell 4.39m
WOMEN SHOT PUT:
11. Hannah Appleton 11.58m
14. Emmalee Osborn 10.98m
35. Temi Michaels 9.73m
DISCUS THROW:
27. Hannah Appleton 29.73m
32. Tema Michaels 28.60m
34. Avery Dempsey 27.87m
HAMMER THROW:
9. Kelsey Swindle 42.13m
37. Temi Michaels 23.28m
JAVELIN THROW:
9. Avery Dempsey 28.89m
13. Jordyn Tucker 27.74m
14. Alexandera Kepley 27.35m
23. Mackayla Womack 16.73m
24. Mariah Thompson 15.52m
HEPTATHLON:
6. Kate Foster 2545
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU athletics, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.
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