Track and field athletes shine at ISU Last Chance

AMES - Five Simpson track and field athletes combined for two school records, four personal bests and three national qualifying marks at the Iowa State Last Chance Meet on Saturday.

"I am really proud of these athletes and their efforts," head coach Dave Cleveland said. "To come into a predominately Division I caliber meet, not back down from the competition and have their best performances of the year is outstanding. We will now wait to see who is selected into the National Championships Field."

A week after being named Most Vauable Performer and setting a school record in the mile at the Iowa Conference Championships, Catie Ellingson outdid herself. Again.

Ellingson won the mile in 4:49.58, which converts to a 4:51.38 on a non-banked track. Banked or no, the time shatters the school record she set last week of 4:57.97. She now owns the second fastest time in the nation, which automatically qualifies her for next week's NCAA Championships.

Kinsey Bak tied a school record in the high jump, clearing 5-6. The height set a personal best, beating her old height of 5-5 3/4. She placed sixth.

Lauren Anderson took ninth in the 60-meter hurdles in 9.00 seconds. The time converts to 8.37 seconds, besting her personal best of 8.47 set in the IIAC preliminaries last weekend. Her time ranks 18th in the NCAA.

Matt Stone placed 19th in the 800, running a converted time of 1:55.65, also a personal best. Brad Vogel took eighth in the 60 meters, crossing the finish line in 7.14 seconds.

Simpson will find out who made the national championships Sunday evening.