Steeplechase highlights women's day at Drake

DES MOINES, Iowa - A first timer made the history books in the steeplechase as part of the Waldorf women's track and field team's performance at the Jim Duncan Invitational Friday at Drake University.

"We had a small squad this weekend, but our staff is extremely proud of how our athletes competed," said head coach Janna Langrell. "This weekend reaffirmed where we are and we are happy with where fitness levels are."

Marissa O'Connor had never run the 3000-meter steeplechase before Friday. She might be doing more of them in the future after her time of 13:23.23 put her in second place in school history. O'Connor also ran the 1500 meters Friday and had a time of 5:20.43.

"Our ladies looked strong and competed well," said Langrell. "Marissa ran well for her first steeplechase. She is going to continue to get better each race as she gets used to the water jump. We had a few ladies just off their PRs and some well executed races tactically. Overall it was a great weekend of racing."

In other races, Eliza McKown ran 2:26.64 in the 800-meter run. Danielle Wood ran a time of 19:58.58 in the 5000 meters. Brandi Peck ran a time of 1:09.80 in the 400-meter hurdles. And the quartet of Catherine Clarke-Ashford, Peck, Miracle Tucker, and McKown ran a time of 4:16.13 in the 4x400-meter relay.

The team competes next week at the Drake Relays and Kip Janvrin Open.