Jan. 24, 2003
The University of Notre Dame men’s and women’s track and field teams kicked off their home indoor season with a pair of victories in Loftus Sports Complex on Friday evening. The men’s team downed Ball State 91.5 – 66.5, while the women (131 points) finished ahead of Ball State (99) and Western Michigan (93).
The Irish men enjoyed a balanced evening, scoring well in sprints, distance events and the field events. Event victories for Notre Dame were posted by Godwin Mbagwu in the triple jump (14.47m, 47-5 3/4), Chip Roberts in the weight throw (16.45m, 53-11 3/4), Chris Staron in the high jump (6-6 3/4), Juan Alba in the shot put (15.42m, 50-7 1/4), James Scarborough in the 60 meters (7.11), Luke Watson in the mile (4:08.31), Ryan Postel in the 400 meters (48.86), Eric Morrison in the 800 meters (1:52.07) and Tim Moore in the 3,000 meters (8:29.19).
Sophomore Selim Nurudeen continued his steady improvement as well, taking home two victories in the 60 meters (6.91) and the 60-meter hurdles (7.99).
The women were equally impressive, also posting victories across the gamut of track and field events. Jaime Volkmer followed up her school record-setting triple jump a week ago with another victory on Friday, jumping 12.11m (39-8 3/4). Volkmer also tied with teammates Jill VanWeelden and Laura Huarte in the pole vault competition by clearing 3.66m (12-0).
Emily Loomis, an all-BIG EAST performer in the high jump and volleyball, got her first victory of the season clearing 1.70m (5-7) in the high jump. Freshman thrower Megan Horn had a solid day as well, winning the shot put with a 13.93m (45-8 1/2) toss and finished seventh in the weight throw after just picking up the implement a few weeks ago.
Other winners for the Irish women included Kymia Love in the 60 meters (7.51), Jennifer Handley in the mile (4:57.87), Kristen Dodd in the 400 meters (55.21), Tameisha King in the 60-meter hurdles (8.56), Kymia Love in the 200 meters (23.88), and Molly Huddle in the 3,000 meters (9:31.53).
Love’s 23.88 effort and Huddle’s 9:31.53 time both are good enough to qualify the Irish athletes for the NCAA indoor championship.
Notre Dame will be back in action at home next Friday, Jan. 31, against Michigan State.