TEMPE, Ariz. – Shaquille Walker broke the school record in the 800 meters and now holds the nation’s fastest time in the event after running a time of 1:45.78 at the Sun Angel Classic at Arizona State University Saturday.
“We had some great things happen,” BYU head coach Ed Eyestone said. “It was a very good meet and we finished strong. Shaq’s race was a great exclamation point at the end of the meet.”
Several other athletes broke personal records and set marks that will qualify for them for the West Regionals at the end of May. Most athletes participated at the meet hosted by Arizona State, but BYU also sent athletes to events at Utah and Weber State over the weekend.
Sun Angel Classic
Zachary Blackham continued his successful outdoor season placing third in the high jump, clearing 2.11 meters (6’ 11’’). Blackham has already qualified for the West Regionals with a jump of 2.2 meters (7’ 2’’) earlier this season and is currently ranked fifth nationally.
Personal bests on the men’s side included Jesse White’s 400-meter time of 47.29, which was good for second place and was his career best in the event by almost six tenths of a second. Jonathan Harper’s 1500-meter second-place finish in 3:49.92 was a personal best by 3 seconds.
On the women’s side Anginae Monteverde took home first place in the pole vault, once again clearing 4.15 meters (13’ 7’’). Twin sister Alyssa Monteverde-Dalton ran a personal best, placing first in the 100-meter hurdles in 13.62. Monteverde-Dalton's time will likely qualify for the West Regionals.
Kelsey Brown-Gilbert improved on her team-best time in the women’s 1500 meters by finishing in 4:24.60. Alyssa Steed placed second in her heat in the same event, finishing in 4:34.46.
Cherilyn Bunker’s javelin throw of 42.77 meters (140’ 3’’) was good for second place and is the best throw by all BYU women’s throwers in the event this season.
Utah Classic
Diamond Thomas ran a personal best in the 100 meters and 200 meters with times of 11.78 and 24.62, respectively. Thomas’ times were good enough to place second in both races.
Wildcat Outdoor Open
Ellie Heiden ran a personal best time of 56.01 in the 400 meters placing third.
BYU track and field will compete next week at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, California.