The Webster University men's and women's track and field teams participated in the Washington University Invitational on April 2-3. Webster fielded its largest contingent at a meet ever, with 18 athletes competing in 11 different events. A number of individual personal bests were achieved as the team continues its second season of competition.
 
Several performances highlighted the meet for the Gorloks. On the women’s side, LeKecia Veal (SO, Crossroads Prep, STL) ran the 100 meters (M) in 13.43 seconds, finishing 26th and also finishing 26th in the 200M at 28.12. Jessica Parkman (FR, Peru HS, IN) ran the 1500M in 5:31.92, finishing 16th. Lesley Rankin (FR, Gateway Institute, STL) threw the shot put 9.20M, finishing 18th in a field of 29. Marissa Gibbs (JR, Springfield HS, IL) hit 4.27M in the long jump, placing 20th, and ran the 400M in 1:09.50, finishing 24th.
 
For the men, #A.J. Wallace# (FR, Warrenton HS, MO) finished 35th out of 75 runners in the 200M with a time of 24.24. Wallace also finished 17th in the long jump at 5.81M. Aaron Obernuefemann (FR, Mt. Olive HS, IL) finished 18th out of 57 in the 400M with a time of 53.11. Josh Burr (SO, Lindbergh HS, STL), participating in his first meet, threw the shot put 11.04M, placing him 22nd out of 33 in the event. The men’s 4 X 100 relay team, consisting of Robert Aaron (JR, Christian Brothers HS, STL), Rob Hohensee (FR, Buffalo HS, MO), Joe Chadwick, and Wallace, finished 10th with a time of 48.27.

Head Coach Dusty Lopez assessed his team’s participation by saying, “This was by far the best team meet Webster has ever had. Not only did we have more athletes competing than ever before, but we put together very good performances across both track and field events. Our athletes set numerous personal bests and new school records in the throws, sprints, distance races, and jumps.

We still have a way to go, but it was a great feeling to see the team take a big step forward this weekend. The hard work is paying off and if the season ended right now we would be able to take a lot of pride in our progress. Luckily we have at least three more meets, and that is just more time to develop the program even further.” 

The track team’s next meet is on April 16-17 at the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Gateway Classic.