DENTON (4-28-05) The North Texas women’s 4x100-meter relay team led the way for the Mean Green by smashing the school record at the Jason’s Deli Mean Green Twilight Invitational.
The team of Rachael Runnels, Osaze Aghedo, Chastidy Russell and Chi Chi Echebelem finished in 45.33, qualifying the team for the NCAA Regional meet. Their time is the 12th fastest time in the region this season and the fastest time by a team from the Sun Belt Conference.
The men’s 4x100-meter relay finished nearly as well, running the third fastest time in school history. The team of David Schwein, Derek Logan, Brandon Irabor and Johnny Quinn finished first in 39.99, the squad’s fastest time of the season and the ninth fastest in the region this year. The team qualified for the regional meet earlier this season.
“We ran really well tonight. I was pretty pleased with the way both our men and women come out and competed,” said North Texas head coach Rick Watkins. “It’s also nice to have a chance to compete at home and I think we took advantage of that.”
Runnels also led a Mean Green 1-2-3 sweep of the 200-meter dash with a regional qualifying time of 23.95. The time is fourth fastest in school history and is the 13th best time in the region. Echebelem and Russell finished in second and third, both with a season best time of 24.31.
Jessica Henderson recorded the fifth best discus throw in school history. The senior’s toss of 43.78-meters (143-08) earned her a second place finish. Henderson now owns three of the top five throws in school history, including the school record.
Henderson also finished fifth in the shot put with her season best throw of 12.28-meters (143-08).
Also faring well in the shot put was Stacy Orakpo, who finished second. The sophomore set a personal season best with a throw of 13.76-meters (45-01.75).
Bonnie McKernan won the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:30.46. The finish is her second fastest time of the season.
Derek Logan ran a career best 10.52 in the 100-meter dash. The time is the team’s best this season and earned the senior a second place finish.
The Mean Green will return to action in the season’s final tune-up meet, the UTA Open on Saturday, May 7 in Arlington, Texas.
