Sidra Sherrill
The Northern Illinois track and field team got its 2012-13 season started on the right foot Friday, as they brought home an event title and several top five finishes at the Cyclone Holiday Preview.
Overall, the Huskies had one event title, six top five finishes and 14 top 10 performances inside the Lied Recreation Center in Ames, Iowa.
“We have a lot of technical training to complete,” said NIU head coach Connie Teaberry. “What the staff looks for this early in the season is how well the ladies compete and handle pressure. We are pleased with their efforts. If they continue to practice over break, we will be headed toward some great indoor performances in 2013.”
Highlighting the night for NIU was freshman Ida Burbulla, who won the high jump with a height of 5-03.75 (1.62m). After finishing in a tie with Drake’s Jaclyn Aremka for first place, the Leutkirch, Germany, native easily cleared the 1.62m mark in the jump-off, while Aremka failed to clear the bar.
Fellow freshman Ellen Renk also had an impressive debut with a pair of third place finishes. The jumper from LaSalle, Ill., started with a bronze performance in the long jump, reaching 17-04.75 (5.30m). Minutes later, Renk took third in the triple jump with a mark of 35-09.25 (10.90m).
Other top performers in field events include Michaela Dwyer, who took fifth place in the long jump at a personal best 16-10.50 (5.14m), and Sidra Sherrill, who set a PR in the shot put at 44-11.50 (13.70m) for seventh place. Meanwhile, Alex Schad placed ninth in the triple jump at 32-05.75 (9.90m) and 10th in the long jump at 16-10.50 (5.14m).
On the track, newcomer Kristal Pitts placed third in the 800 meters with a time of 2:23.20. Julianne Cronin opened her season with a fourth place showing in the 600 yards, clocking in at a personal best 1:25.85. Jenelle McCalla placed 10th in the 300 meters at 42.25.
The night concluded with McCalla, Erica Miller, Jaylaan Slaughter and Cronin claiming sixth place in the 4×300 relay with a time of 2:47.99.
The Huskies return to action Saturday, Jan. 12, when they trek to Champaign, Ill., for the Illini Open.
For more information on NIU track and field and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
