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Friday, April 29
Des Moines, Iowa
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University of Utah
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Drake Relays
Utah Distance Medley Relay Crowned Champion at Drake Relays
4/29/2011 12:00 AM | Track & Field
April 29, 2011
DES MOINES, Iowa- The University of Utah distance medley relay team clocked a school-record performance to win its first ever championship in the 102 year history of Drake Relays.
"We had a great day," said Utah head coach Kyle Kepler. "They did a terrific job and I am proud of our girls so far. Our team came ready and has performed well in the first three days at the Drake Relays."
The distance medley relay team caught the spotlight with its school-record time of 11:17.09. After Amanda Mergaert completed the first leg (1200m), the relay team had a three second lead. Ashley Mosley followed with a solid performance as she kept the Utes near the front in the 400m leg. Junior Lucy Yates ran a third leg (800m) split in 2:08 and opened up the lead to five seconds. In the final leg of the event, Alyssa Abbott extended the lead and clocked a 1600m split of 4:44 to finish first overall with a combined school-record time of 11:17.09. The feat marks the first relay team and the second overall championship the Utes have earned at the Drake Relays. The Utes finished seven seconds ahead of the runner-up relay from Iowa State (11:24.22).
"That group joins a very elite group as champions at one of the oldest (102 years), biggest (7,000 athletes) and most well known track meets in the world," stated Kepler. "The Drake Relays was the first event ever shown on ABC Televisions Wide World of Sports back on April 29, 1961. That's special."
In the high jump, Langley Iverson finished third overall with a mark of 5-10.00. Coming off of a second-place performance in the heptathlon, Brianna LeRoy finished 15th in the high jump clearing the mark of 5-7.00.
Sophomore Angela Kaplar competed in the preliminary round of the 100m hurdles and finished 20th overall with a time of 14.43, but failed to qualify for the Saturday's final round.
The 4x400 relay team finished fifth overall with a season-best time of 3:47.29.
"The 4x4 ran ok. That is a group that needs to get healthy," commented Kepler. "They have been dealing with multiple injuries all spring. Hopefully, that will happen so we can get to see their potential which we know is very good when they are right."
"To have three top-three finishes, including a relay title, at this point is very exciting," said Kepler. "Everyone has competed hard. It's also nice to see Langley jumping well again."
On Saturday, Abbott will defend her title and Mergaert will compete in the 1500m. The Utes begin competition at 10:15 a.m. CST, which will be held at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa.
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Track & Field
Jumps
/ Track & Field
Hurdles
/ Track & Field
Multiple
/ Track & Field
Distance
/ Track & Field
Sprints
/ Track & Field
Distance
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