May 1, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Only a handful of athletes from the Kentucky track and field teams were in action on a rain-soaked opening day of competition at Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Track Classic in Columbus, Ohio, Friday.
With possibly more rain showers in the forecast Saturday, field events resume at the Classic beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET while running events begin at 11:30 a.m. Live results can be found at UKathletics.com.
Before the field events were pushed back, senior Alex Grietens finished 15th in the men’s hammer throw with a mark of 185-0.
In late-night running events, sophomore Suzanne Holt finished the women’s 5,000m run in 19:03.66. In the women’s 1,500 meter run, Claire Laverty clocked in 4:54.40. On the men’s side, sophomore Adam Henken ran 3:57.09 in the 1,500m followed by classmate Matt Wagner at 3:58.29 while senior Bruce Hordusky finished in 4:13.36.
The 16th-ranked Kentucky men are joined at OSU by Oklahoma as well as Big Ten Conference contenders Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, Purdue and the host Buckeyes.
Several Wildcat men rank among the nation’s top 20. They are led by defending National Champion in discus senior Rashaud Scott who tops the country in the event this season while his throw of 212-9 ranks fourth in the world according to the latest IAAF outdoor rankings. Scott also stands 14th nationally in the shot put. Classmate Chase Madison ranks fourth in the country in the discus and 19th in the shot. Senior Jose Acevedo currently ranks 17th nationally in the 200m dash. In the 100m dash, freshman Justin Austin holds the 17th spot in the country.
On the women’s side, the Wildcats compete against No. 11 Michigan, No. 13 Penn State as well as Big Ten members Indiana, Michigan State and Purdue.
Senior Ashley Trimble ranks eighth nationally in the heptathlon this season. Classmate Ashley Muffet ranks third nationwide in the discus and stands 11th in the country for the shot put. Emilee Strot also ranks in the discus at 16th nationally while junior Kristin Smith holds the 13th slot in the hammer.
A recap of the Cats’ performances will be available on UKathletics.com after Saturday’s competition.
