The ASU indoor track and field teams lit up the competition this weekend at the MPSF Championships in Seattle, with the men winning and the women finishing in fourth place.
Coach Greg Kraft knew the men’s side had the potential to win the conference championship meet all year.
“We thought all along we were talented and deep, and it panned out this weekend,” Kraft said.
The men had many great performances, but had arguably their best showing in the 200-meter dash. They swept the field in the event, led by redshirt junior Rashad Ross' time of 21.16, earning him his first conference title.
“It was expected when we looked at our team and what we have been doing this year,” Kraft said. “The outcome was pretty much expected.”
Senior jumper Chris Benard also set a career best in the triple jump with a mark of 16.43 meters, which placed him second overall in the nation. The jump was also the second-best mark in school history.
The distance medley team of redshirt junior Darius Terry, sophomore Will Henry, senior Mason McHenry and redshirt sophomore Nick Happe also won and finished with the fourth-best time in school history.
“This performance shows the depth and versatility we have in our sprint teams,” Kraft said.
Outdoor national champion redshirt junior Jordan Clarke won his first indoor championship in the shot put, edging out freshman Bozidar Antunovic from UA.
Redshirt sophomore Ryan Milus won a total of three events in the MPSF Championships this weekend, including an easy win in the 60-meter dash.
Kraft was extremely impressed with Milus’ performance.
“Ryan has matured incredibly and is having practices against quality teammates,” Kraft said. “This weekend's performance is a tribute to that.”
Redshirt senior Brian Pierre had possibly the best performance of his career, winning the 5000-meter run with a time of 13:50.37.
Kraft wasn't surprised with the senior's time, though.
“Brian's performance was due to good racing, and this was a testament to that,” Kraft said.
Junior Keia Pinnick helped lead the women to their fourth-place finish, winning the pentathlon.
Although Pinnick won, Kraft sees room for improvement from the junior.
“I wasn't totally impressed, to be honest,” Kraft said. “I have high expectations for Keia, and she definitely left some points out there.”
Senior Kayla Sanchez scored in multiple events for the women, including the 60-meters, 200-meters, and the 4x400-meter relay.
Kraft couldn't stress enough Sanchez's importance to the team’s fourth-place finish.
“She did really well this weekend,” Kraft said. “Kayla stepped up big.”
The Sun Devils will have one more chance to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships next week at the Last Chance Meets.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu
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