April 24, 2004
The University of Notre Dame track and field team faced its final outdoor meet before the BIG EAST Championship next weekend at the Purdue Invitational and several Irish athletes took advantage of the opportunity to post season-best times. In addition, freshman Maryann Erigha competed for the first time in the outdoor season and came out in fine form, winning both the 100 and 200 meters and qualifying for the BIG EAST Championship in both events. Erigha’s times ended up at 12.03 in the 100 meters and 24.29 in the 200 meters. Sophomore Austin Weaver also qualified for the conference meet in the 10,000 meters by winning the competition in 31:36.03.
Sophomore Laura Huarte provided the third highlight for Notre Dame on Saturday, clearing 3.75m (12-3 1/2) in the pole vault to win the competition and not only improve her BIG EAST qualifying mark, but qualify for the NCAA regional meet as well.
Jennifer Richard won the 5,000 meters to earn her first career outdoor victory, crossing the finish line in 18:26.90.
Other top finishers for Notre Dame at Purdue included: Chip Roberts, second in the hammer throw with a season best 53.92m (176-11) … Dan Porter, third in the javelin with a season-best 40.39m (132-6) … Dave Viken, third in the pole vault with a season-best 4.60m (15-1) … Elizabeth Webster, second in the 1,500 meters with a season-best 4:42.76, followed by teammate Katie DeRusso in third (4:43.46) … Tricia Floyd, third in the 400 meters with a season-best 56.64 … Alex Fortunado, second in the 400-meter hurdles with a season-best 54.39.
Other results from the Drake Relays:
A number of scheduled competitors did not enter their events at the Drake Relays for Notre Dame. Thomas Chamney finished fifth in the 800 meters (1:53.06), Kerry Meagher took ninth in the 1,500 meters (4:25.25), Mark Barber was 18th in the 400-meter hurdles (53.55) and Napolean Suarez was 20th in the 400-meter hurdles (53.90).
The BIG EAST Championship will begin Friday, April 30, in Piscataway, N.J.