KEVIN JENISON
GoSycamores.com
DES MOINES, IOWA ? Indiana State junior Michael Disher ran his second fastest 3,000 meter steeplechase Thursday afternoon at the Drake Relays, finishing fifth in 9:02.93. Disher was just one of four Sycamores that competed on Thursday.
“Michael ran a very good race,” John McNichols, Indiana State men's track & field coach, said. “It was a very talented field and Michael stayed right with them.”
Sycamore freshman Dexter Childress competed in the first decathlon of his career, finishing in 17th with a total of 5,957 points.
“He struggled on the first day but competed a lot better in day two,” McNichols said. “This was his first decathlon and it came against some quality competition. He now knows what it feels like to compete in a decathlon and that will make him better for the conference meet.”
Childress' best finish came today as he placed eighth out of 21 competitors in the pole vault and eighth in the 1,500 meter run, clearing 14'-1.25” (4.30m) in the pole vault and running 4:35.53 in the 1,500.
Two other Sycamores competed in the men's 5,000 meter run this evening with senior Eric Schulz placing 14th in 14:48.10, and freshman Albaro Escalera finishing 17th in 15:24.19.
“This was a tough race for both of them,” McNichols said. “Eric went out fast but couldn't keep up with the field and we are still working on Albaro at this distance. Both will be better later on this season.”
Action at the Drake Relays heats up on Friday with a variety of relays plus some individual competition for Indiana State including Felisha Johnson in the women's shot put, Brandon Pounds goes in the men's shot put, and Michael Roberts in the 110 meter hurdles.
Indiana State also has teams entered for the men's and women's 4x100 meter relay, men's 4x1600 meter relay, women's distance medley relay, men's and women's 4x400 meter relay, and women's 4x800 meter relay.
Friday's competition begins at 10:32 a.m. (ET) and runs through 8:40 p.m. (ET). The Drake Relays will conclude on Saturday starting at 9:43 a.m. (ET) and finishing at approximately 7:15 p.m. (ET).
Several other Sycamores will be a little closer to home on Saturday as they compete at the Purdue Outdoor Open. Competition in West Lafayette, Ind., begins at 10 a.m. (ET
