Wet conditions just right for Geoducks

April 27, 2007

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The 2007 edition of the Western Washington Twilight Invitational was a break from the usual tradition of mild spring weather. Persistent showers and gusty winds challenged competitors and officials throughout most of the evening, even canceling the women's pole vault.

The wet conditions proved to be the teams liking as a number of season best performances were earned and two school records were lowered in running events. Emily Uhlig broke her own 3000 meter steeplechase record and Brian Rakestraw bettered the three year old 5000 meter record Friday night.

Uhlig ran an impressive solo effort during her record run as she grabbed an early lead, making the field chase her down. The breezy and wet conditions slowed what may have been a sub 12:00 effort but her 12:13 was an impressive time nonetheless. Uhlig's win was the first for a Geoduck this season and first ever win for Evergreen at this meet.

In the men's 5000 meters, Evergreen had four entrants and all walked away with personal bests after the 3.1 mile test was complete. Rakestraw led the way for the team to break Josh Klimek's three year old record of 15:46, posting a time of 15:36.36 and finishing seventh overall in the 28 man field. Eric Jones, James Hudson and Darin Martin finished 14th, 17th and 28th respectively.

Donovan Montross finished fourth in the javelin throw, his first college competition in that event. Jason Shoemaker posted a seasons best in the 200 meters (24.6) finishing in 13th place and additionally a 7th place finish in the 100 meters. Diann Leo finished 10th in the 5000 meters with a personal best of 22:00.

Several team members had class conflicts that kept them from competing on a Friday night.

Evergreen will send a small squad to the UW Ken Shannon Invite next Friday in their final regular season meet as a tune up for the Cascade Conference Championships.