Women’s Track & Field Claims Eighth in HCAC Outdoor Championships

The Anderson University women's track and field team claimed eighth place in the three-day Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Outdoor Championships, which concluded on Saturday in Lexington, Ky. Anderson recorded the program's best outdoor finish since the 2021-22 season.

"This meet was a lot of fun to be a part of," Head Coach Nic Huffman said. "The weather cooperated, and there were some amazing performances across the conference in every event. I think it's the toughest and deepest the conference has ever been. There were a lot of huge accomplishments and many emotions. Our men and women really gave their best while supporting each other with all their heart. I'm proud of the effort, energy, and consistency throughout the season. It's tough, but it's worth it. I want to shout out my assistants, Tremayne Brown and Chuck Foga. A huge congrats to Chuck for earning Men's Assistant Coach of the Year. It is much deserved."

"All glory to God and all praise goes to the athletes," Assistant Coach Chuck Foga said. "I am honored to be out here with these athletes and able to coach such a great group of young adults. It was a great meet. The women's team scored in all four throwing events, while the men scored multiple times in three of four events. Their hard work and dedication paid off."

TEAM STANDINGS

1. Manchester – 206
2. Rose-Hulman – 200.5
3. Transylvania – 95.5
4. Mount St. Joseph – 67
5. Franklin – 47
6. Earlham – 45
7. Berea – 42
8. Anderson – 27.5
9. Hanover – 26.5
10. Bluffton – 20

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

• Lai'Lonie Waller-Thomas – Discus – 36.85 meters (120 feet, 11 inches) – 4th Place – Personal Record
• Katie Ripberger – 400 Hurdles Finals – 1:13.99 – 5th Place – Personal Record
• Katie Ripberger – 400 Hurdles Prelims – 1:14.90 – 6th Place – Improved Previous Personal Record
• Lai'Lonie Waller-Thomas – Hammer – 39.53 meters (129 feet, 8 inches) – 5th Place – Personal Record
• Katie Ripberger – 100-Meter Hurdles – 17.16 seconds – 5th Place
• Lai'Lonie Waller-Thomas – Shot Put – 11.56 meters (37 feet, 11.25 inches) – 6th Place – Personal Record
• Katie Ripberger – 100-Meter Hurdles – 18.35 seconds – 6th Place
• 4x100 Relay – Deja McGriff, Taylor Custer, Katie Ripberger, Makayla Corn – 55.67 seconds – 6th Place – Season Best
• Peyton Bundy – Javelin – 27.03 meters (88 feet, 8 inches) – 7th Place – Personal Record
• 4x400 Relay – Katie Ripberger, Taylor Custer, Andrea Diaz, Hattie Harlow – 4:33.79 – Season Best
• Peyton Bundy – Shot Put – 10.16 meters (33 feet, 4 inches) – Personal Record
• Deja McGriff – Discus – 27.70 meters (90 feet, 10 inches) – Personal Record
• Jenn Eisinger – Hammer – 32.83 meters (107 feet, 8 inches) – Personal Record
• Ellasyn Bruner – Shot Put – 7.24 meters (23 feet, 9 inches) – Tied Personal Record
• Taylor Custer – 200 – 28.79 seconds – Personal Record
• Madi Aaron – 400 – 1:16.75 – Personal Record
• Andrea Diaz – 800 – 2:40.47 – Season Best

UP NEXT

Anderson battles in the two-day Jesse Owens Classic hosted by Ohio State University, which begins on Friday, May 1 at 12 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio.