TRACK DOES WELL AT ADIDAS INVITE

Saturday, February 14

Lincoln, Neb.

TBA

Colorado

Adidas Invitational

Photo by: CUBuffs.com

February 14, 2004 | Track and Field

By: CUBuffs.com

LINCOLN, Neb. - The University of Colorado track and field team hit the road for their first big trip of the season, rolling into Lincoln, Neb., for the Adidas Invitational at the University of Nebraska. It was a successful trip for the Buffaloes, as CU claimed 11 different top three finishes.

“It was a break out event at sea level on a fast track and it was a good meet for us,” said head coach Mark Wetmore. “we'll be back in two weeks for the conference meet. We had a lot of good performances this weekend as we expected, even yet it's early in the season for these folks running their first meets at sea level.”

CU senior Deneeka Torrey had a big day, earning personal records in both the 60 meter dash (7.64) and 60 meter hurdles (8.61), taking second in both events.

“The highlight of the day was Deneeka Torrey taking second in both the 60 meter hurdles and 60 meter dash. First she ?pr'd' in the prelims of both events within 20 minutes of each other, then did it again in the finals of both events, also within 20 minutes of each other. Two silver medals for Deneeka, a great weekend.”

Colorado's two titles came in the 3,000 meter run with Renee Metivier claiming first on the women's side in an NCAA provisional mark time of 9:30.00. She was followed by Christine Bolf in 9:30.18 and Kalin Toedebusch in 9:30.54, also provisional times.

“Domination of the 3,000 meters both the men's and women's is no surprise. Ren?e Metivier, Christine Bolf and Kalin Toedebusch going 1-2-3, all provisional qualifying marks. “Personal bests for all but Kalin, and in their first sea level race is pretty impressive.”

Freshman Stephen Pifer was the surprise winner in the 3,000 meters, kicking down Dathan Ritzenhein to win the title in 8:05.77. Ritzenhein was second in 8:05.80, followed by Brent Vaughn in 8:07.72. All three marks are NCAA provisional times.

“The men's race was not exactly the result we expected,” said Wetmore. “We hoped to dominate the race. Dathan went out very hard and aggressively, hoping to run in the middle 7:55 range, but this is his first race since the cross season. He was little ahead of pace and that is hard when you're rusty. He started to feel it and his freshman teammate Stephen Pifer ran him down. He ran a Torres, Goucher, Ritzenhein-type freshman time, and right behind him was Ritz, followed by Brent Vaughn and Billy Nelson right behind them. Dathan just needs to get another race or two under his belt, even if he's not comfortable with that explanation. He's going to run really fast really soon.”

Bret Schoolmeester had a solid run in the men's mile in a time of 4:05.07 for second place, as did Jackie Zeigle in 4:56.58 in fourth place in the women's mile.

Colorado will rest up until its next meet, the Big 12 Championships back in Lincoln on Feb. 27-28.