McClurkin Jr. Bolts Into Top-10 in CU History

USAFA – The University of Colorado track and field senior Duane McClurkin Jr. won the men's 60-meter dash Saturday afternoon in the Air Force Invitational to vault himself into sixth in school history in the event at 6.74 seconds.

McClurkin Jr. led from qualifying to finals, running 6.86 in the qualifying prelims, then 6.83 in the semi finals today to put him in place to run in the finals. The senior had a slower start then the majority of the field, but ate up the track in the 10 to 50 meter stretch to blast to the front. McClurkin Jr. even pulled up early, leaving it possible to move up the list quickly.

That wasn't the only win for the day for Colorado, as in normal fashion there were three Buffalo hurdlers in the finals of the women's 60 hurdles. Eriana Henderson posted a huge personal best of 8.44 to take the victory after crossing the final hurdle nearly in line with teammate Dani Johnson. Johnson finished two-hundredths of a second behind Henderson as the two move into fifth and sixth in school history in the event. Valerie Welch finished fourth in the race with a time of 8.63, a day after she won the women's long jump.

McClurkin Jr. also joined up with freshman Jeremy Cody in the men's high jump. McClurkin Jr. cleared 2.03 meters (6-7.75) to finish third overall, a place behind Cody. Cody cleared 2.06 meters (6-9) to finish second in the event.

Other huge finishes for CU came in the triple jump for both the men and women. Gunner Rigsby hit a new season-best with a jump of 14.49m (47-6.5) to finish third, while Sarah Hopkins also finished third with a jump of 11.66m (38-3.25). Cheyenne Cheshier also had a good day with a fifth-place finish and a jump of 11.49 meters (37-8.5) after scratching all three jumps in the prelims.

Mariah Walker finished just outside the top-three with a fourth-place finish in the women's shot with a toss of 14.26m (46-9.5). Tyler Sconce also threw shot today for Colorado with a mark of 13.56m (44-6).

Other results from the day included Kellen Monestime in the men's 60 hurdles, finishing 10^th with a mark of 8.40. Sam Crosmer finished eighth in the women's 400 (1:00.7).

The Buffaloes now have a short week as the Colorado Invitational begins Thursday with the first day of the heptathlon and the pentathlon.

RESULTS:
Men's 60-Meter Dash: 1. Duane McClurkin Jr. (CU), 6.74
Men's 60 Hurdles: 1. Brendan Ames (UNAT), 7.79; 10. Kellen Monestime (CU), 8.40
Men's Triple Jump: 1. Blair Robinson (LBSU), 14.97m (49-1.5); 3. Gunner Rigsby (CU), 14.49m (47-6.5)
Men's Shot Put: 1. Colby Stinson (WCU), 17.58m (57-8.25); 16. Tyler Sconce (CU), 13.56m (44-6)
Men's High Jump: 1. Jason Smith (LBSU), 2.14m (7-0.25); 2. Jeremy Cody (CU), 2.06m (6-9); 3. Duane McClurkin Jr. (CU), 2.03m (6-7.75)
Women's 400-Meter Dash: 1. Lauren Gale (CSU), 54.81; 8. Sam Crosmer (CU), 1:00.7
Women's 60 Hurdles: 1. Eriana Henderson (CU), 8.44; 2. Dani Johnson (CU), 8.46; 4. Valerie Welch (CU), 8.63
Women's Triple Jump: 1. Amiya Anoma (WSU), 12.65m (41-6); 3. Sarah Hopkins (CU), 11.66m (38-3.25); 5. Cheyenne Cheshier (CU), 11.49m (37-8.5)
Women's Shot Put: 1. Kelsey Slawson (WSU), 15.44m (50-8); 4. Mariah Walker (CU), 14.26m (46-9.5)

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Players Mentioned

Cheyenne Cheshier

Jeremy Cody

Sam Crosmer

Eriana Henderson

Sarah Hopkins

Dani Johnson

Duane McClurkin Jr.

Kellen Monestime

Gunner Rigsby

Tyler Sconce

Mariah Walker

Valerie Welch