Utes Win Three Events, Compete Hard

I thought our first full team meet of the season was a successful one overall. We won three events with two of those victories coming in dramatic fashion. Freshman shot putter Nikkie Rudder PR'd on her opening toss and was the leader going into the finals, however was passed during the final round of throws. So on the final attempt of the competition, Rudder PR'd again (45-6) and win the event. I believe the term "gamer" has become associated with that type of performance in that situation. It was awesome. Most of Nikkie's family was there to see it which I know made it all the better for her. We named her the Utah Hard Hat Performer of the Week which is given to an athlete who competes hard on every attempt or in every race. It's not an award about winning as much as it is about consistently giving a great effort from start to finish.

Senior Sarah Grimm won her second weight throw competition of the season with another PR (60-0.3/4). It's fun to watch her go about her business with confidence and appreciation.

The other comeback victory was courtesy of the 4x400 meter relay. Seniors Whitney Wellington and Chelsey Kaplar combined with true freshmen Ashley Mosley and Alyssa Johnson to run 3:53.63 to win an exciting race by .30 seconds. Whitney will be the first to tell you she didn't have a great leadoff leg, but the two freshmen got us back in the race and then Kaplar had a tremendous finishing leg to grab the victory. They will all only get better.

Another trio of freshmen also ran and thres well. Angie Kaplar ran a lifetime best 8.92 in the 60 meter hurdles to place fifth overall. Amanda Mergaert ran a personal record 2:15.37 to finish fourth in the 800 meter run. Mergaert also came back to anchor the 4x400 meter 'B' relay to a heat victory. Anneli Stahl finished fifth in the weight throw with a new personal best toss of 52-8.

I thought all of those kids competed their guts out. More impressively, the freshmen ran with a lot of poise and never panicked when it looked like things might get away from them. That is very difficult to teach. They relaxed and kept competing and good things happened. This was a really nice way to get the season started. I was also impressed with how much our team supported each other. Our team camp in the stands was bare because everyone was around the arena supporting each other. That's when you know they are working for each other.

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