Weinzetl leads multiple Golden Eagles to personal records
The Golden Eagle track team finished with 14 personal best records at the April 7 Austin Peay State University Invitational.
Six of the nine Tech runners in the 800-meter race posted personal best records. Senior Emily Weinzetl led the Golden Eagles by crossing the finish line in second place, and securing a career best time of 2 minutes, 23.86 seconds.
Weinzetl was followed by Leah Bradley (2:24.61) and Jenna Philpott (2:25.73). Other personal records came from Kara Webb, Kendale Caldwell and Dalis Connell.
“Everyone keeps stepping up and getting better,” Weinzetl said. “We’re well prepared for each meet. It’s just having trust in your training and the hard work you put in.”
At larger races, the events are split up into multiple heats. While having nine runners from the same school in a single heat race is rare, some of the athletes enjoyed the format.
“It’s always easier when running with the rest of your team,” Weinzetl said. “We run with each other every day so we know how we match up against each other. And it’s more fun.”
Junior Justine Phillips placed second in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.79 seconds, and set a personal best in the 200-meter race. Phillips and Bradley accounted for four of the new personal records, each with two at the end of the day.
In the field events, Lacy Yslas had the only first place finish of the day for Tech by throwing the javelin 92 feet, seven inches. This was a career best for the Sparta native.
Along with Yslas, Kelli Keck placed second in both the long jump and triple jump, as well as beating her previous personal record in the 200-meter dash. Madison Borden placed second in the shot put and third in the discus event.
The team will return to action next weekend, competing across the state in two different events. Some of the members will compete in the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, while others will be in Nashville for the Boston-Moon Classic at Tennessee State University.
Tech baseball improving record by executing solid pitching performances
After beginning the season 1-6 and not living up to team expectations on the mound, the Golden Eagles have started turning things around by winning four of the last six games.
With an increase in runs produced and a decrease in runs allowed through improved pitching, Tech has reaped the benefits.
The team swept the Murray State University Racers in a three-game series last week, including a complete-game performance by junior Tristan Archer.
“(Archer) did a great job,” Matt Bragga, head coach, said. “Whenever you have a good pitching staff, you will have a chance to win no matter who you play.”
Archer received the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week award for his complete game against Murray State University, giving up only one run on four hits with seven strikeouts. Archer improved to a 3-1 record for the season and has amassed a team high of 37 strikeouts this year.
Junior Matthew Shepherd has also been a major factor in the Tech pitching rotation, winning three games in a row, including a victory over rival Jacksonville State University.
“We are definitely going in the right direction, but we are not where we need to be-yet,” Bragga said. “I believe with all my heart we will be there. We are getting better game by game.”
In addition to an improved pitching staff, the offensive side of Tech baseball has lit up over the past few games. Zach Stephens is the leader in this area, batting .468 with 14 homeruns and 37 RBIs for the season.
Stephens is also averaging more than .500 in on-base percentage. Austin Wulf has also been a major contributor, batting .344 with 17 RBIs.
Over the last 10 games, Tech has averaged more than eight runs per game, compared to six-per-game average from the previous 20 games.
Tech plays its next OVC three-game series at home against Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, April 13-15. The Golden Eagles also host Belmont University on April 18.
