CLEMSON, S.C. - Appalachian
State University women's track and field reclaimed its spot atop the Southern
Conference, as it won the SoCon Indoor Championships. The squad scored 185
points as it earned its ninth title since 2000.
The Mountaineers recorded first place finishes in six of the
17 events and had 17 athletes earn all-SoCon honors. The Black and Gold also
had six athletes earn all-Freshman accolades. All the success the team had over
the weekend generated enough buzz to get head coach John Weaver voted the
conference Coach of the Year.
Freshman Breanna Alston showed the poise of a veteran, as
she claimed the individual crown in both the 60- and 200-meter dash and was
recognized as the SoCon Freshman of the Year. In each event she moved into
third all-time in Appalachian history with her 60m time being 7.58 and a 200m
time of 24.48. Senior Crystal Dukes joined Alston on the podium for the 60m
with a third place finish.
Fellow freshman Cassie Crawford earned her first collegiate
title with her clearance of 12-5.50 in the pole vault.
"The freshman handled the atmosphere and pressure of the
conference meet very well," said Coach Weaver. "They responded very well and
performed at a high level, which is very encouraging for our future."
In the weight throw, the Mountaineers stole the podium with
Whitney Smyre, Gayshawna Watkins and Ana DeLeon placing first through third.
Smyre won the event for the second year in a row with a hurl of 58-9.50.
Senior Chenel McFadden ran an impressive 800-meters to
finish second in the event and post a personal best time of 2:12.66, which puts
her second all-time for ASU. Asia Dunlap was edged out of all-SoCon honors, as
she finished fourth in a career best time of 2:12.88, which makes her time
third all-time in Mountaineer history.
Amy Neilson battled through the long 5,000-meter run to pull
out a third place finish in the time of 17:51.13.
The Apps finished out the championships with a third place
finish in the 4x400-meter relay. The relay consisted of Dunlap, Nadia Liriano,
Alston and Breahna Morrison.
Appalachian concludes its indoor season, but Coach Weaver
will take a handful of the team's top performers to either Notre Dame or
Virginia Tech next weekend in hopes of breaking school records or qualifying
for nationals.
