Raven track team competes at Iowa State Open; Cannon wins long jump

The Red Raven track team competed against a large field of teams including several NCAA and NAIA schools at the Iowa State Open, January 25-26, in Ames, Iowa.  Despite several athletes battling illnesses, the Ravens improved on their times and distances from the first indoor meet a week earlier at Johnson County.

Rashad Cannon took first place honors in the men's long jump.  Cannon's best jump was 7.14 meters (23' 5.25"). Also placing in the top 10 was Tarayla Merriweather who finished ninth in women's triple jump and Gabby Mask who placed tenth in the women's long jump.  Merriweather had a triple jump of 10.88 meters (35' 8.5") and Mask recorded a long jump of 5.31 meters (17' 5.25").

"This meet was a great experience for our athletes, especially our freshmen," said assistant coach Heather Schmidt.  "Iowa State has the best indoor track and field facility in the nation and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to compete at such a big time meet."

Top CCC performances from the Iowa State Open include:

Women

• Gabby Mask - qualified for long jump finals and placed tenth with a jump of 5.31 meters (17' 5.25")
• Brandy Simpson - season personal best long jump of 5.10 meters, season best time in 60 meter hurdles.
• Tarayla Merriweather - qualified for triple jump finals and finished ninth overall with a jump of 10.88 meters.
• Samantha Howell - season personal best pole vault of 2.75 meters (9' .25").
• Demica Robinson - season personal best 60 meter dash of 8.18 seconds.
• Christen Hill - season personal best high jump of 1.43 meters (4' 8.25")
• Crystal Talton - season personal best 600 yard dash of 1:52.52.

Men

• Rashad Cannon - qualified for finals and finished in first place in the men's long jump with a jump of 7.14 meters (23' 5.25")
• Justin Hicks - season personal best long jump of 6.23 meters (20' 5.25") and 60 meter dash of 7.41 seconds.
• Tell Wyrick - established mark in shot put of 12.85 meters (42' 2"), finishing in 20th place.
• DJ Bland - established time of 50.78 seconds in 400 meter dash.
• Seth Freeman - season personal best 800 meter run of 2:03.13.
• Isaiah Sack - season personal best one mile run of 4:55.85.
• Chris Gravley - season personal best in 600 yard run.
• Rob Gault - season personal best 3000 meter run of 9:56.73.
• Geoffrey Sygay - season personal best 800 meter run of 2:09.70.
• Dustin Schull - season personal best 800 meter run of 2:15.59.
• Chad Ventura - season personal best 200 meter dash of 23.93 seconds.
• Men's 4x400 relay team of DJ Bland, Chris Gravley, Seth Freeman and Chad Ventura - season personal best time of 3:33.16.

Complete results can be view at Iowa State Athletics website.

The Ravens return to action on Friday, February 1, at the Pittsburg State University Invitational.