Event: Washington Indoor Invitational
Where: Seattle, Wash.
When: Friday and Saturday, all day
Who to watch: Freshman Melanise Chapman is pushing the competition to new levels for UC Davis.
The Lancaster, Calif. native managed to set a school record in the 200-meter race with a time of 25.40, beating the previous record of 25.48 held by Ugo Eke.
With Chapman’s record-setting performance right out of the blocks, coach Deanne Vochatzer expects her to break this record again and possibly even set a record in the 60-meter.
Did you know? Two weeks ago at the Washington Husky Indoor Invitational, the Aggies were able to set four new school records.
In addition to setting school records, 14 different marks made the all-time top-ten lists for indoor track.
Preview: This weekend the track and field team returns to Seattle, Wash. with many returning athletes from two weeks ago.
Poor weather conditions prevented the Aggies from practicing as much as intended before opening their season at the Washington Husky Invitational.
Despite this, Deanne Vochatzer believes the team is more prepared as they make their way up to Seattle for the second time.
“I can already see an improvement in the team’s preparedness for competition,” Vochatzer said after practice on Monday. “We had a very solid week last week, which showed at practice today. We were able to actually do a little bit more tune up work, which makes them feel like they’re actually ready to race, throw or jump. “
Highlighting the action two weeks ago, senior Igor Seriba won the triple jump with a mark of 49-6.25. Coach Jon Vochatzer commented that he would not be surprised if he jumps even further this time, possibly reaching into the 50-foot range.
Additionally, competing for the men is distance runner Jonathan Peterson. Peterson broke his own school record in the 3,000-meters with a time of 8:11.52 two weeks ago and will be returning to compete again this weekend.
On the women’s front, senior Sirena Williams will be competing in the 60-meter hurdles, an event in which she currently holds the school record. “She’s close to tying if not breaking her own school record,” Deanne said.
Senior Chidinma Onyewuenyi threw a 45-8.5 last weekend in the shot put, moving her into No. 2 in the school record book.
“She is hungry and ready to set some new school records this weekend and she is another athlete to be watching for,” Deanne said.
– Madeline Weeks
