Wheeling, WV, May 17, 2011—The Wheeling Jesuit men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams experienced a great deal of success this season, breaking multiple school records and setting numerous personal bests.
Among the record setting individuals were Stewart Jones, Megan Pratt and Emily Taylor. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed as their performances ranked among the region’s best, earning places on the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA)Inaugural Outdoor All-Region Team.
To achieve All-Region accolades, an athlete must be ranked in the top five of their respective event(s) while relay teams must finish in the region’s top three. A total of 1,250 athletes were represented on the first Outdoor All-Region Team.
Stewart Jones broke WJU’s school record in the 3000 meter steeplechase, on three separate occasions, which was held by head coach Ricky Moore. Jones, who finished second in the event at the WVIAC Championship meet with a time of 9:21.78 which replaced Moore’s time of 9:21.75. Over the weekend , Jones cruised past his original record-breaking performance with a 9:13.40 on Saturday, May 14th at Allegheny College only to set a faster time on Sunday, May 15th at the Indy Twilight Meet with a time of 9:09.02.
All three times were NCAA provisional marks, and Jones placed second in the Atlantic Region with his 9:09.02 behind Lock Haven’s Nick Hilton (9:01.33). Unfortunately only 17 steeplechase athletes qualified for this year’s NCAA National Championship meet, and Jones finished 21st in the NCAA Division II.
Megan Pratt and Emily Taylor were also recognized by the USTFCCCA with All-Region honors, each garnering the award in two events.
Both, Pratt and Taylor, ranked among the region’s top five in the shot put. Pratt finished second in the Atlantic Region with a personal best and WJU record with a toss of 13.58 meters which was set on April 29th at the WVIAC Championship meet. Taylor placed third in the region as her best throw was achieved at last weekend’s Indy Twilight Meet with a distance of 13.46 meters.
In addition, Taylor was recognized in the women’s discus throw, claiming the region’s top spot. Taylor’s best throw of the season was recorded this past weekend at Allegheny College with a distance of 44.21 meters. She currently holds the school record with a throw of 46.78 meters.
Pratt also earned a second All-Region mention in the hammer throw,claiming the region’s third position. Her throw of 51.27 meters stands as a new WJU record and was set last weekend at Allegheny College.
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