Running Events Highlight Day Two of Ward Haylett Invitational
May 07, 2021 | Track & Field
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State track and field teams had a successful outing in the second segment of the Ward Haylett Invitational at R.V. Christian Track and Field Complex, which featured a handful of running events in the latter portion of Friday's (May 7) slate.
A total of three running events took place amongst the men's and women's teams, including the 400 meters, 1500 meters and 5000-meter races.
The men's 400 meters went in favor of senior Justin Davis, who scorched the track in 47.27 seconds to outlast his K-State counterparts in the first race of the evening. Sophomore Sean Wilson gave Davis a run for his money on the last turn but ended his outing with a pace of 47.81 to score a runner-up finish.
"The men's 400 was ok with our first three guys, as they had differentials," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Cliff Rovelto. "Just a little too conservative getting out."
Senior Wurrie Njadoe clinched the women's 400 meters, as she smashed her personal record in the race with a blistering time of 53.67 seconds. Njadoe's mark elevated her to No. 10 all-time in school history for the outdoor season. Crossing the finish line in second place was sophomore Shalysa Wray, who turned in a time of 54.11.
"Wurrie (Njadoe) ran very well in the 400," said Rovelto. "Our next three gals didn't run what they are capable of for various reasons."
Securing the top finish in the 1500 meters, sophomore Hadley Splechter recorded a new personal best at 3:47.61, which outpaced sophomore teammate Mike Rohlinger, who also set a new personal record in the race at 3:53.90.
Flying around the track in the women's 1500 meters was middle-distance guru Kassidy Johnson, as she bolted towards a first-place outing with a time of 4:26.64. Her mark was 14 seconds faster than the next competitor in the race.
"The winners in the 1500's were very solid efforts as they were having to take the lead themselves," said Rovelto.
Freshman Helen Giefer used a mark of 18:19.01 in the women's 5000 meters to finish in first place and just ahead of teammate Katie Kasunic (2nd, 18:43.49).
Another freshman who recorded a victory in the 5000 meters – Jack Moore – gutted out a tough run to notch a new personal best on Friday evening, as the Lenexa, Kansas, native posted a time of 14:59.39.
In the field, All-American Helene Ingvaldsen launched a throw of 61.94m/203-2, helping her clinch another hammer throw victory. The men's hammer throw had a familiar face at the top of the leaderboard, with freshman Kade McCall tossing a mark of 59.73m/195-11, which gave him the win.
Those competing in the pole vault competition included freshman Reagan Hukill on the women's side and sophomore Jesse Pinkley in the men's field. Hukill tied for first place with a vault of 3.60m/11-9.75, which included teammate Jessica Williams. Pinkley, a product of St. Genevieve, Missouri, tied his personal best mark of 4.90m/16-0.75, earning a silver-medal performance in the process.
The third and final outing of the Ward Haylett Invitational will begin tomorrow at 10 a.m., CT with field events. Senior Day festivities will commence at 12 p.m., CT and then the last set of running events will begin at 1 p.m., CT.
For the latest on K-State track and field follow @kstatesports and @KStateTFXC on Twitter or Kansas State Track & Field/Cross Country on Facebook.
A total of three running events took place amongst the men's and women's teams, including the 400 meters, 1500 meters and 5000-meter races.
The men's 400 meters went in favor of senior Justin Davis, who scorched the track in 47.27 seconds to outlast his K-State counterparts in the first race of the evening. Sophomore Sean Wilson gave Davis a run for his money on the last turn but ended his outing with a pace of 47.81 to score a runner-up finish.
"The men's 400 was ok with our first three guys, as they had differentials," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Cliff Rovelto. "Just a little too conservative getting out."
Senior Wurrie Njadoe clinched the women's 400 meters, as she smashed her personal record in the race with a blistering time of 53.67 seconds. Njadoe's mark elevated her to No. 10 all-time in school history for the outdoor season. Crossing the finish line in second place was sophomore Shalysa Wray, who turned in a time of 54.11.
"Wurrie (Njadoe) ran very well in the 400," said Rovelto. "Our next three gals didn't run what they are capable of for various reasons."
Securing the top finish in the 1500 meters, sophomore Hadley Splechter recorded a new personal best at 3:47.61, which outpaced sophomore teammate Mike Rohlinger, who also set a new personal record in the race at 3:53.90.
Flying around the track in the women's 1500 meters was middle-distance guru Kassidy Johnson, as she bolted towards a first-place outing with a time of 4:26.64. Her mark was 14 seconds faster than the next competitor in the race.
"The winners in the 1500's were very solid efforts as they were having to take the lead themselves," said Rovelto.
Freshman Helen Giefer used a mark of 18:19.01 in the women's 5000 meters to finish in first place and just ahead of teammate Katie Kasunic (2nd, 18:43.49).
Another freshman who recorded a victory in the 5000 meters – Jack Moore – gutted out a tough run to notch a new personal best on Friday evening, as the Lenexa, Kansas, native posted a time of 14:59.39.
In the field, All-American Helene Ingvaldsen launched a throw of 61.94m/203-2, helping her clinch another hammer throw victory. The men's hammer throw had a familiar face at the top of the leaderboard, with freshman Kade McCall tossing a mark of 59.73m/195-11, which gave him the win.
Those competing in the pole vault competition included freshman Reagan Hukill on the women's side and sophomore Jesse Pinkley in the men's field. Hukill tied for first place with a vault of 3.60m/11-9.75, which included teammate Jessica Williams. Pinkley, a product of St. Genevieve, Missouri, tied his personal best mark of 4.90m/16-0.75, earning a silver-medal performance in the process.
The third and final outing of the Ward Haylett Invitational will begin tomorrow at 10 a.m., CT with field events. Senior Day festivities will commence at 12 p.m., CT and then the last set of running events will begin at 1 p.m., CT.
For the latest on K-State track and field follow @kstatesports and @KStateTFXC on Twitter or Kansas State Track & Field/Cross Country on Facebook.
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