McClurkin Breaks Two BYU Records at Mt. Sac

WALNUT -- All-Americans Mindy McClurkin and Lacey Cramer led the way for the BYU women’s track and field team on the third and final day at the Mt. Sac Relays, bringing home new BYU all-time records and MWC-best marks in multiple events.

McClurkin competed in the long jump, 100m and 200m dashes today, finishing first among collegians in all three events. In the long jump, McClurkin jumped a season-best 6.61m (21-08.25), which currently ranks second in the NCAA West Region and first in the MWC.

The two sprinting events also proved successful for McClurkin, who finished the 100m in 11.60 and the 200m in 23.43. Her 100m time ranks 10th in the NCAA West Region and the 200m time ranks fifth in the NCAA West and first in the MWC.

“It was a fun day,” McClurkin said. “My family was able to come and watch, which was great. I had been preparing for this meet since the Texas Relays, so I am really pleased with my results.”

McClurkin’s long jump mark set the new BYU record for the event, which has been held by Nikki Hughes since 2002. McClurkin’s 200m time also broke the BYU all-time record, which had been held by Angela Bridgeman since 1986.

Cramer competed in only one event this weekend, the 800-meter run. Cramer finished fourth in the race at 2:03.91, but first among collegiate competitors. Her time ranks first in the NCAA West, first in the MWC and third all-time at BYU.

Several Cougars also competed at the Mark Faldmo Invitational at Utah State Saturday. The top performance of the day came from pole-vaulter Kelli Ehardt, who finished first in the event with a vault of 3.86m (12-08.00).

Shanie Bushman also competed in the pole vault event, finishing third at 3.66m (12-00.00). Diane McAllister finished fifth in the event at 3.50m (11-05.75).

The other top finish of the day came from Sarah Lancaster in the javelin. Lancaster finished first with a throw of 40.42m (132-07).

Second and third place also belonged to the Cougars, with Julie Larsen taking second at 40.30m (132-03) and Amber Freeman taking third at 38.65m (126-10).

Tiana Ili finished in the top three in two events, the discus and shot put. Ili took second in the discus with a toss of 45.53m (149-04) and placed third in the shot put with a throw of 13.96m (45-09.75).

Tipaleli Fotu was the top finished for the Cougars in the hammer throw, taking fourth with a distance of 53.41m (175-03). Tamara Lemalu finished eighth in the event at 43.22m (141-09).

Two Cougars competed in the sprint events, Jasmine Bingham and Ashley Nichols. Bingham took ninth in the 200m in 25.98 and Nichols placed just behind her in tenth in 26.26. Nichols also took eighth in the 400m, finishing in 1:01.11.

In the high jump, freshmen Kira Winston and Meighan Stevens both placed in the top five. Winston took fourth with a leap of 1.55m (5-01.00) and Stevens nabbed fifth with a jump of 1.50m (4-11.00).

BYU track and field will be back in action at home next week for the annual Robison Invitational, which will take place from April 21-24 at the Clarence Robison Track and Field complex.