Women's track break personal records and shine at UW Invitational

SEATTLE, Wash.— Kristi Rush recorded a new personal record for the one mile with a time of 4:44.78 and made it to BYU’s top 10 of all time board.

“From where she’s been, Kristy Rush’s mile where she ran 4:44.78 was a really great performance," BYU head coach Ed Eyestone said. "She beat her PR by 12 seconds in the mile, and to do that in a shorter distance is big time and she represented us well."

Eyestone also said that Shea Martinez-Collinsworth ran a nice race. Collinsworth ran a time of 2:06.70 in the 800 meters and placed third out of 62 other competitors. Among those competitors also included BYU’s Lauren Ellsworth (2:10.64), Madelyn Brooks (2:11.36), and Kaylee Packham (2:14.57) who all placed in the top 20 for the 800 meter run.

Natalie Shields-Connolly ran in the 5000-meter race with a time of 16:30.85. This was eight seconds away from reaching the BYU top-10 all-time board.

“It was a nice PR for her (Connolly). It was only seconds away from our top-10 all-time board, so that was a really nice effort on her part,” said Eyestone.

Laura Young also ran the 5000-meter race and won her heat with a time of 17:03.13. Eyestone said she looked good in winning it.

Sadie Nielsen beat her personal record in the weight throw, throwing a mark of 14.79 meters.

This meet was not a scored meet, the invitational allowed the athletes to strive for times to qualify them for the NCAA and conference meets.

“I think it was an exceptional meet. It was a real step up for the season thus far. Everyone that we came with did a great job,” said Eyestone.

UW Invitational results.  

Next week BYU heads to Pocatello, Idaho for the Mountain State Games and Albuquerque, NM for the NM Collegiate Track and Field Classic.