DES MOINES, IOWA ? Indiana State State's Erica Moore stands in fifth place, the third collegian, after the first day of the heptathlon at the 100th Drake Relays while Anthony Bertoli is currently in 10th overall, the seventh collegian, after the first day of the decathlon.
“Not too bad of a start,” John McNichols, Indiana State Track & Field/Cross Country coordinator, said. “Bertoli won the 400 meters going away and Moore also had an outstanding day.”
Moore has 3,233 points to finish the first four events in fifth place but not that far away from being the top collegian in the competition which is held by Chelsea Taylor of Alabama with 3307 points.
“This is just a great atmosphere and we had beautiful weather today,” Moore said after today's competition. “There really isn't any pressure since the stands are mostly empty.”
Angie Martin, Sycamore assistant coach, was pleased with the effort by the Indiana State athletes today.
“Moore was really good today,” Martin said. “She was even keeled and seemed like she was having a good time.”
Moore set two personal bests during the day in the high jump and the shot put. She opened the day with an eighth place finish in the 100 meter hurdles (14.41) but came back with a fourth place finish in the high jump (5'5.25”) which was a new personal best by an inch. Moore followed that with a third place finish in the shot put, again reaching a new personal best with a toss of 38'4.25”, and concluded the first day with a fourth place finish in the 200 meters (25.24).
The Sycamore stands a good chance to move up in the standings as the final three events are competed Thursday including two of her stronger events, the long jump and 800 meters. She will also compete in the javelin.
“She is competing against 20 very outstanding athletes,” John Gartland, Indiana State women's coach said. “It is just amazing what she is doing.”
Not to be outdone, ISU' Bertoli had an equally good day against a field of 18 top athletes.
The Sycamore opened with a sixth place finish in the 100 meters (11.36) and finished eighth in the long jump (20'6.25”). He struggled in the shot put, placing 17th (30'11”), but came back with an 11th place finish in the high jump (5'11.25”) and finished strong by winning the 400 meters (48.14).
“He just blew away the field in the 400 meters,” McNichols said. “I am very excited about the start we have had at the Drake Relays.
Bertoli also has a good chance of moving up in the standings Thursday as he competes in five more events starting with the 110 meter hurdles. That will be followed by the discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1,500 meter run.
The rest of the Sycamores in attendance at the Drake Relays will get their chance to compete starting Thursday night with competition running Friday and Saturday.
