EUGENE, Ore. — Cora Caulfield and the Northern Illinois 4×100-meter relay team competed at the NCAA West Preliminary on Saturday at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field. The 4×100 relay finished 23rd and Caulfield took 38th in the discus.
“These ladies had a great conclusion to the 2011 outdoor season,” said NIU head coach Connie Teaberry. “Although their finishes did not lead to them advancing to the final round of the NCAAs, they still reached the second-highest collegiate track and field event in the country. All of these ladies have helped push the NIU program to a new level and we are extremely proud of them.”
Cora Caulfield
The relay quartet of Chanel Kellyman, Roneisha Frye, Brittany Smith and Rasheta Butler took eighth in the first heat of the day, the Huskies clocked in with a time of 46.64 seconds. Texas won the first heat with a time of 44.00 seconds, Texas A&M was the fastest qualifier overall with a time of 43.60 seconds in heat two.
“We had seven people compete in the 4×1 this season, five of whom travelled this weekend, Chanel, Roneisha, Brittany, Rasheta and Megan Gregory as our alternate,” said Teaberry. “All of them will return next year and they are all very talented.”
After fouling on her first attempt of the day, Caulfield recorded a mark of 148-2 (45.17m) with her second throw. That second effort would turn out to be her best as Caulfield’s third toss measured 141-1 (43.02m) and she did not advance to the final round of three throws. Arizona State’s Anna Jelmini won with a top throw of 187-4 (57.09m).
“Our staff couldn’t be more proud of Cora Caulfield,” said Teaberry. “She has continued to improve each year throughout her career at Northern Illinois and she has always represented NIU with great honor and respect.”
NIU completed a highly successful outdoor season in which new school records were set in the 4×100-meter relay, 4×200-meter relay, triple jump and discus. The Huskies also scored their highest-ever point total at a Mid-American Conference Outdoor Championship and earned their best finish at the conference meet since 2005.
For more information on NIU track and field and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
