April 28, 2018
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Day 2 of the HCAC Conference Championship was contested in warm, sunny conditions and was a day for the women's distance contingent to show its mettle on Saturday, April 28.
The 5,000 meter race was dominated from start to finish with sophomore Alexis Cash (Gaines, MI/Lake Fenton) never out of first place for the entire 12 1/2 laps. Junior teammate Jennie Matteson (Guysville/Alexander) made it 1-2 for the Beavers, never ceding second the entire race as well, this in addition to having won the 10k last night. Freshman Kimmie Hetrick (Fremont/Ross) rounded out the scoring in the 5k with a hard-fought 8th place thus accomplishing the goal of all three women in the points.
While Cash's race was impressive, it was made more so as she had only 90 minutes' recovery for it after running a PR sub 5:00 effort in the 1500 where she placed 4th. Senior Alissa Hauke (Hillsboro) also scored for the Beavers in the 1500 with her 8th place finish. Hauke also saw additional duty as an hour later she returned to the track to take home 6th place in the 800 meters.
While women's distance was collecting points the remainder of the team was also getting after it in a variety of events. Senior Kyle Knezovich (Utica) had a busy day, as usual, with a 2nd place in the 400 meter intermediate hurdles, a 5th in javelin and a leg in each of the relays. Junior Keturah Warlick (East Point, Mich./Clintondale) placed 4th in the 200 meters while freshman Jihad Shockley (Columbus/Oakstone Academy) tied for 5th in the long jump. Running PR performances were sophomore Tami Groff (Versilles) in the 1500 and junior Jacob Hill in the 800. Hammer saw best performances by the freshman duo of Stephanie Fox (Pickerington/Central) and Amanda Setser (Troy) as well as sophomore John Jones (Cincinnati/Walnut Hills). Three of four relays saw their best times of the season as well with only the men's 4 x 100 being a scant .06 off its previous best.
"Wow, what a conference meet," enthused Head Coach Karen Brandt. "While we don't have the depth for the team scores we would like (both teams finished 5th in the standings) we made up for it with individual performances. Just like Jennie did last night in the 10k, Alexis took the 5k by the scruff and worked it over. I am so proud of Jennie for executing her goals to perfection by nailing down 2nd place behind her. Hauke closed out her collegiate career in a great way, it has been a real pleasure to work with her. So many of our younger athletes showed real improvement and poise as well in a championship situation. I am grateful for the hard work of all of the coaches and athletes that made these two days possible."
-BEAVERS-
