Rohatinsky, Lemeisz Lead Cougars at Mt. SAC

PROVO -- With the first day of finals scheduled for Saturday, a limited number of BYU track athletes participated in two meets this weekend, including distance star Josh Rohatinsky and 800 meter specialist Aneta Lemeisz.

Both Rohatinsky and Lemeisz set regional qualifying marks at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif.

Rohatinsky placed fifth overall in the 10,000 meters, but was the second collegian to cross the finish line. BYU distance coach Ed Eyestone said Rohatinsky's mark was No. 2 in school history.

"He mixed it up with the top guys, including some Olympic caliber guys," Eyestone said of Rohatinsky's performance. "I was pleased with the way he ran."

Lemeisz has been running well lately after posting a top-5 national mark in the 800 meters a couple of weeks ago. She ran a 2:09.80 at Mt. SAC after starting fast and holding one to place second.

Lisa Pratt also received a regional qualifying mark in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and Chelsea Smith barely missed a qualifying mark in the 5,000 meters. Women's distance coach Patrick Shane said the meet was a chance to experiment and give some of the athletes a chance to try some different events.

One athlete trying a new event was All-American Michaela Mannova. Mannova ran the 5,000 meters in 17:12.32. The race marked the first time she has competed in almost a year. Shane said the race gave him an opportunity to find out what kind of shape the former national champion is in.

Once finals are done, the Cougars will be in action during the Robison Invitational at Clarence Robison Track on BYU campus.