UTEP track and field placed 10 miners the top three of their event during the Twilight Meet today at Kidd Field. It is the first time in over a decade UTEP hosts this event, which welcomed New Mexico State, the University of New Mexico and several unattached runners. The meet is the last warm up for athletes before the Conference Championships are held on the 14th.
“Overall it went really well,” said Miner head coach Mika Laaksonen. “This is more for officials, for them its one last prep for the conference. From that perspective everything went well.”
Throwers Taylor Gunn and Samantha Hall both finished in first place of their respective events.
“Its just a good boost of confidence going into conference even though I did not throw my best,” Gunn, who placed first in the shot put, said.
Hall threw for a personal best in the discuss and finished in the top three in two other events.
“It was fun,” Hall said.
The meet was filled with athletes participating outside of the events they usually compete in.
Gunn threw the Javelin for the first time in her college career.
“It’s my first and last time,” Gunn said. “Coach Mika promised four years ago that he would let me throw it.”
Anthony Rotich did not compete in today’s meet, with the exception of the steeple. Rotich’s main goal for the event was aiding teammate Daniel Cheruloit qualify to regionals.
“Today I was just trying to help friend, he’s been running the 5k all year, this was his first Steeple chase,” Rotich said. “I need to help him out, this is my last season that way when I leave someone can replace me.”
Cheruloit, who is not accustomed to running the event, was encouraged by Rotich’s support and his own performance.
“This has been my fastest Steeple chase ever,” Cheruloit said. “It’s very motivating when you have a champion running with you.”
College athletes were not the only ones to compete on the track under the lights this afternoon. The Twilight Meet was also a chance for fans to get involved with the racing.
All kids in attendance and under the age of five had a chance to run the track to determine the fastest kid in the city. The event was not timed, but everybody seemed to enjoy it.
The weather could not of have cooperated more for the event and it was a great day for fans to enjoy some great athletes up, close and personal.
The next time UTEP track and field takes is in action will be for the Conference USA Outdoor Championships. UTEP will host the conference tournament at Kidd Field from May 14-17.
Juan Carlos Navarrete can be reached at [email protected]
