The ASU indoor track and field team traveled to the Lumberjack Invitational looking to perform well in the season opener on Saturday.
The Sun Devils received top performances from the team, especially on the men's side.
Ryan Milus achieved the fastest 60-meter dash time in the nation, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships in March. His time of 6.59 seconds became the second fastest indoor time in school history. Milus easily beat his previous record of 6.76 in the event.
Coach Greg Kraft was impressed with Milus' performance, but was also surprised by his auto qualification this early in the season.
“We have been optimistic for a performance like this, but (this) was a big surprise, especially with the track being under construction and not having a consistent practice site,” Kraft said.
Senior Chris Benard also had a record-setting day. Benard set the indoor school record in the triple jump, amassing a distance of 16.14 meters. His performance was enough to outdo former Olympic gold medalist Dwight Phillips by about 3 inches.
Coach Kraft was proud of Benard's record-setting performance, but remained humble while discussing it, knowing the season was just getting started.
“I was really impressed,” Kraft said. “It bodes well for him and the team. He had a nice performance today.”
Outdoor shot put national champion Jordan Clarke started his indoor season off right by winning the event with a throw of 19.13 meters while posting his longest-ever throw in indoor competition.
There seemed to be no celebratory hangover after the National Championships, and Kraft sees the focus from Clarke early in the season after earning second team All-America honors in the event last year.
“That was his indoors (personal record) by over a foot,” Kraft said. “It's also good for him in living up to the expectations he has put upon himself. Overall a great start.”
On the women's side, freshman standout Shelby Houlihan won her first career indoor race. Kraft is already anticipating big things from Houlihan and Saturday's win in the 800 meters was only the beginning.
“We haven't had much presence in middle distance in the past, but that's her niche,” Kraft said. “She has a tremendous future ahead of her. She has great racing instincts to go along with her ability. It was important that she raced well before the hard part of the indoor season.”
Senior Mason McHenry also turned in an impressive performance with a top-10 national 800-meter time of 1:50.46.
Overall, Kraft was impressed by the squad's performance, despite the obstacles they have already had to overcome.
“It was encouraging,” Kraft said. “We haven't opened the season this early in forever. The women's side is not as deep so they need these early competitions before the season really begins.”
The Sun Devils’ next competition will take place at the Texas A&M Challenge in College Station, Texas, on Jan. 27-28.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu
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