April 8, 2008
Oklahoma Baptist hit 16 qualifying marks, including nine new "A" standard national qualifiers at the Emporia State Track Meet Saturday.
The men's 400 hurdles was the gold mine for OBU, as four Bison qualified for the first time this season, led by winner Ross Harlan, who turned in the best NAIA time this season at 52.3 seconds. Lamar Baskin (53.3), Adam Betterton (53.7) and Tracy Drew (53.8) also qualified.
The women's event also was fruitful with Montouya Moore (1:03) and Optimum Baker (1:04.4) qualifying for the first time.
All four relay teams hit qualifying standards, though they were already in the mix for the national meet. Both the men's (3:15.40) and women's (3:48.70) 4x400 relay teams not only won, but now have the top times this season in the NAIA.
Sherene Pinnock added her name to the list for national 800, taking second in 2:12.70. Sarah Patterson did the same in the 400, taking second in 57.20.
Dominique Matthews qualified in the 100 meters from third place at 10.55 seconds, while Derek Nettles was seventh with a B standard qualifying time of 10.79.
Marissa Moseley had a qualifying time of 24.0, hand timed, and has already qualified.
Baskin improved his 110 high hurdle time with a mark of 14.66 seconds.
In the 4x100 relay, OBU's women improved its previous qualifying mark with a 47.15. The men's team also had a qualifying mark of 41.60, but have done better than that this season.
Nicole Cummins improved her triple jump standing for the national meet, bounding 38 feet, three-quarters of an inch.
OBU is scheduled to run at North Texas Saturday.