The University of Washington Invitational held Saturday at the Dempsey Indoor Center on the Seattle campus is for the most part a race for collegians. There were, of course a number of their older professional counterparts scattered among a number of events but a fifteen-year-old freshman from nearby Federal Way probably made the greatest impression. Invited in deference to her talent as a blazing junior champion, Hannah Cunliffe, was hardly a party crasher, but one suspects that a number of her collegiate competitors may have indeed felt that way. In the prelims of the 60 Meter dash a somewhat nervous Cunliffe ran 7.66, which was a very solid time for a high school runner of any age yet somewhat of a disappointment to Hannah. Of course it did not help matters for anyone that the sprinters were being held motionless for a seemingly long duration prior to almost every heat. Still despite her disappointment Hannah had qualified for the finals.
.jpg)
Later that afternoon she lined up against a field that included two University of Oregon stalwarts, who are champions in their own right. Once the gun finally sounded she was off with her long hair somewhat surprisingly not tied down but flowing behind her, Hannah zipped across the finish line with a stunning 7.54 placing third behind Oregon’s Amber Purvis (7.35) & Mandy White (7.53). Although it is still relatively early in the indoor campaign both Purvis & White were not far off of the automatic qualifier for the NCAA Indoor championships, yet there was Hannah, a prep freshman after all, not all that far removed in time or placement.
It mattered little that a bit later Hannah was moved to fourth in the overall field after Charrelle Garrett of Cal ran 7.53 to barely nip her for Cunliffe had shown that she truly belonged. Rather than ramble on with superlatives about what lies ahead let us just take a glance into the more immediate future, which plans for Hannah to compete in the Husky Classic in two weeks & an attempt at the American record. Hannah will also compete in the Simplot Games in Pocatello & has been invited to join a stellar prep field on February 27 at the Brooks PR Invitational.
Baylee Mires of Mead High School, who announced that she would run next year for the University of Washington, competed on Saturday and ran a fine 5:10.1. With training being a bit difficult in all of Spokane’s snow her time is a good start to her new season, as she has also received a “Golden Ticket” to the upcoming Brooks meet not to mention the chocolate bar that comes with it.
There was plenty of other action of note on Saturday and old friend Jordan Hasay looked in very fine form as she pulled away from a solid field to win the 3K in a time of 9:05.42. It somewhat overshadowed the effort of her University of Oregon team mate Alex Kosinski until one realized that Alex’ time of 9:08.6 was easily under the automatic NCAA qualifying time for the event, which is 9:13.0. It was also nice to see Oregon State’s Jennifer Macias to win her heat in the event. Luke Puskedra, yet another Oregon Duck, secured his ticket to the NCAA party in the 5K with a time of 13:46.7, which was just under the 13:47 needed. The guys from Eugene also secured a qualifier in the Distance Medley, when the team of Cole Watson, Mike Berry, Elijah Greer & Matt Centrowitz ran 13:46.70 to just duck under the needed time of 13:47.
Greer almost garnered an individual pass for the NCAA 800 Meters, when he crossed the line in 1:48.45 with Joe Abbott (1:48.6) of WSU right behind him. The necessary time is but 1:48.0. Joshua Anderson was almost another WSU automatic qualifier after his 47.12 400M just missed the 46.15 needed. The return of men’s Track & Field to Oregon State was once again underscored by Obum Gwacham, who competed in the high jump. ’s high jump of 6’ 11’. Obum’s leap of 6’ 12” (2.11) tied for the best in his collegiate heat but placed 2nd behind Danny Marconi of Oregon, who soared 7-01 in the afternoon session (2.16) & in turn just missed the big Q of 2.24.
Miles Batty of BYU ran a solid 4:00.91 in the mile and was just short of the needed 3:59.0 for the NCAA. Of course he would probably have much preferred the still magic sound of 3:59.9, which must be left for another day. Oregon’s Zoe Buckman was clocked in 4:37.84 & had the best collegiate time in the women’s mile. The qualifier in that event is 4:37.0. The women’s mile found professionals leading the way, when Lauren Johnson (4:33.64) edged Shalane Flanagan (4:33.81). BYU runners Lacey Bleasard & Katie Palmer challenged the qualifying mark of 2:05.0 in the 800M and narrowly missed with their times of 2:05.55 & 2:05.91.
One of the last events of the afternoon was the pole vault. The crowd was thrilled as Husky Scott Roth, the defending NCAA Indoor Pole Vault champion, attempted 19 feet in the event. He was forced to settle for a victory and a solid vault of 5.51 (18’ 1”), which secures another trip to the NCAA meet, as the qualifier is 5.50.
All in all it was another fine day at the Dempsey, which always seems to offer at the very least a little of something for everyone. My only regret was that Paul Merca did not act as the announcer for the distance races. Paul always offers an informed view & even more important, he understands that giving splits in the distance races creates even greater understanding as to what is really taking place on the track. The Dempsey was constructed with awesome sliding panels, which offer not only great views of water & mountains but also provides fresh air & a bit of humidity, which is better than dryness. They could be used to greater effect. Still, when all is said and done, the meet certainly provided a track fan with plenty to find thrilling & enjoyable.