Jan. 16, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky junior Kristin Smith and senior Rashaud Scott made their marks in the weight throw as both clinched a second-place finish at the Kentucky Invitational in Nutter Field House, Friday night.
Smith tossed the weight a distance of 58-11.5, a few inches shorter than her all time best. Scott hit the 64-10.75 mark, also throwing within a foot of his top record.
Heather Smith set a personal record, reaching the 57-3.75 mark – good for fifth at the Invitational and seventh all-time in the UK record books.
“I think the women’s weight throw was a pretty encouraging start,” Head Coach Don Weber said. “They threw fairly well but Kristin didn’t throw very well technically. She had a lot really low throws and didn’t get the proper height on each throw so that indicates she has room to grow. Heather Smith did a good job. She’s made dramatic improvements from a year ago.”
David Banks jump-started his sophomore season with a distance of 48-10.25 in the triple jump – good for fifth place. Freshman Steve Crouse finished ninth hitting the dirt at 48-0.5.
“Both of the men in the triple jump made it to the finals so they’ve been very competitive tonight,” Weber said.
UK junior Mary Chris Durham tied for sixth in the women’s pole vault, reaching a height of 11-7.75. Samantha Stenzel made her freshman debut in 11th place clearing the bar at 11-1.75.
Sophomore Ke’Undra Bishop finished 12th in the women’s triple jump with a leap of 37-8.5.
Spencer Patterson and Kevin Carney made their first collegiate start in the men’s high jump. Patterson cleared the bar at 6-4.25 – good for a seventh place tie. Carney finished 20th, recording a leap of 6-0.5.
Alek Greitens began his senior season finishing 14th in the men’s weight throw as he hit the 54-9.5 mark.
The Wildcats return to action tomorrow with the women’s high jump beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET followed by running events at 12:30 p.m. ET.
