April 25, 2003
Louisville, Ky. - The Western Kentucky track and field made the trek up I-65 on Friday to compete in the Cardinal Open, hosted by the University of Louisville. Unfortunately, they returned home earlier than expected due to inclement weather that cancelled the meet with only 11 off the 31 events in the books.
Despite competing in less than ideal conditions, several Western athletes turned in good performances during the shortened meet. For the Lady Toppers, Angie Gardner (Fr., Clarksville, Tenn.) recorded three personal-bests on the day, most notably an eighth-place finish in the hammer. Her throw of 135-5 in the event was a personal best by nearly eight feet, missing the school record by only four inches. Also in the women's throws, Erin Gruenke (Jr., Vine Grove, Ky.) placed ninth in the shot put with a throw of 39-5.75 and tenth in the discus with a toss of 132-10. Recording her best mark of the season, Melissa Jarrett (Fr., Henderson, Ky.) placed seventh in the long jump with a leap of 17-4.25. The only top-ten finish recorded by a Hilltopper on the day was made by Raigo Toompuu (So., Haapsalu, Estonia), who placed fourth in the shot put with a throw of 50-6.75, his best throw of the season in the event.
Five Western tracksters will compete in the Oregon Invitational on Saturday in Eugene, Ore.
- WKU -
