PROVO -- The women's team competed in Albuquerque, N.M. and had two more Athletes that qualified provisionally for the national meet in Arkansas. Meanwhile, the men had a successful meet in Seattle against some of the toughest competition in the country.
"It was a very good meet and there were some good schools here," BYU women's head coach Craig Poole said. "We had some good marks and some more qualifiers for nationals."
Ashley McAllister cleared 3.97 meters (13 feet 0.25 inches) in the pole vault to provisionally qualify for nationals. She is the second pole vaulter for the women's team to reach that plateau. Kelly Furr has also cleared 3.95 meters and is among the best vaulters in the nation.
Kamila Rywelska had a great triple jump performance at the University of New Mexico as she landed a 12.74-meter (41 feet 9.75 inches) jump. This was the first time she competed in the triple jump this season and already she is leading the conference in the triple jump.
"She had some difficulties figuring out the runway and made some adjustments toward the end," Poole said. "She did a good job."
The women's team split for this meet and the distance squad ran a solid race in Seattle at the University of Washington. The team had two runners qualify and had a strong meet overall.
"I'm thrilled with their performances this early in the season," BYU women's assistant coach (distance) Patrick Shane said. "We had some great performances from many of our top runners. Amy Fowler, who's time of 4:52.57 in the mile leads the conference."
All-American Kassi Andersen ran a conference best 9:16.86 in the 3000 meters. This was her first competition since placing sixth in the Cross Country National Meet.
"I am so excited," Andersen said after the race. "Before the race we were going over the pace and coach (Shane) kept making it faster and faster. I was kind of nervous, but I went out and just raced. I felt really good. It's good to know where I'm at right now."
Another steller performance came from Whitney McDonald in the 5000. She finished in a time of 16:16.33. After being out of competition for three years, she looked very strong in her first meet back.
"I didn't know what to expect," McDonald said after the meet. "I haven't run for three years. I felt really strong and I went out with the pace my coach set. I feel great."
The men were also in Washington this weekend. The men didn't have any provisional qualifications but had some good performances from many athletes.
"Rencher ran pretty well and Hostetler ran well," BYU men's head coach Mark Robison said. "Dustin Bybee ran a lifetime best of 4:06.09. Tyrel Jensen also ran a good race. Carter ran his first 400 meters and it was his lifetime best. Chandler Goodwin ran a lifetime best. Jared Rohatinsky ran well and this is the first time he has been healthy for a while."
Chris Carter ran a 1:51.64, which is the fastest time in the Mountain West Conference this season. Dustin Bybee's lifetime best is also the fastest time in the conference this season so far.
Whitney Neves cleared a height of 5.06 meters (16 feet 7.25 inches) in the pole vault. He battled injury at the beginning of the season and is steadily making improvements. David Pendergrass had a jump of 14.50 meters (47 feet 7 inches) in the triple jump, a performance good enough to be in the top ten in the MWC.
"I think we're progressing and we are moving in the right direction," Robison said. "Conference is not very far away. We just need to stay healthy and keep progressing."