Anderson and Carnett Set Records
R.J. Anderson Shawnee Carnett
As snow and frosty winter winds swirled around the Concord campus Saturday, the Mountain Lions returned to the track.
Two tracks, actually. Thank goodness they were indoors.
Concord's Track & Field teams opened their 2010-11 indoor season at the First Glimpse Meet, hosted by Marietta College (OH), turning in some superlative performances.
R.J. Anderson paced the men's team with victories in the 55- and 200-meter dashes. Anderson's time of 6.39 in the 55 meters was a school record, and qualified him for the national meet later this winter.
“I'm really excited for R.J. setting the school record,” said CU head coach Mike Cox, “especially in the first meet of the year. He'll have to run faster this season, but he'll have lots of chances to do it.”
Nathan Rees won the 800 meters by nearly four seconds, and Nathan Tanner won the triple jump by almost two feet over the runner-up.
Other highlight showings came from Brad Dugan (2nd in the 3000 meters), while Tanner and Jake Rollo finished 3rd and 4th in the long jump.
CU's women claimed victory in two events. Chelsea Callaway won the 3000 meters at 11:10.22, more than 11 seconds faster than the competition. The team of Donnie Kirk, Megan Savioli, Lydia Powell and Lindsey DeVaughn won the 4 x 400 relay.
Meanwhile, Brittany Pratt was 3rd in the long jump, Powell was 4th in the 200 meters, and Demi Kirk posted two top-five performances – 3rd in the 55 meters and 5th in the 200.
Another CU athlete set a school record on Sunday.
Shawnee Carnett won the Women's 800 meters with a time of 2:14.49 at the CNU Holiday Open, hosted by Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA.
“That was the time that got her into nationals last year,” said Cox. “That may get her in again. Like R.J., she'll have to run faster to make sure, but she's got lots of chances.”
Carnett and WVIAC Cross Country champion Danielle Pye were the only two Concord athletes to compete at the CNU meet. Pye finished 7th in the 800 at 2:26.58.
