Post by rainman on Jul 6, 2008 7:55:55 GMT -5
Bland finishes 15th at Olympic Trials
Times West Virginian
MORGANTOWN July 06, 2008 12:18 am
— West Virginia University distance runner Keri Bland took seventh in the second heat of the 1,500-meter semifinals at the USA Olympic Trials Friday night in Eugene, Ore.
The Fairview native and North Marion graduate ran a personal-best time of 4:16.05 en route to a 15th overall finish. Nike’s Shannon Rowbury posted the top time of 4:11.75 in the event. The top six times in each heat qualified for Sunday’s 1,500 final.
“I would say that was the greatest race she has ever run in her life,” head coach Sean Cleary said. “Not only was it a personal best, but to handle the pressure as a sophomore in college against the greatest runners in the country is thrilling beyond belief.”
Only two competitors currently with college track programs finished ahead of Bland, Baylor’s Lauren Hagans (14th, 4:15.01) and Tennessee’s Sarah Bowman (11th, 4:13.29).
Bland recently completed her sophomore season at West Virginia and became the first female to earn All-America honors in three sports in the same school year.
Times West Virginian
MORGANTOWN July 06, 2008 12:18 am
— West Virginia University distance runner Keri Bland took seventh in the second heat of the 1,500-meter semifinals at the USA Olympic Trials Friday night in Eugene, Ore.
The Fairview native and North Marion graduate ran a personal-best time of 4:16.05 en route to a 15th overall finish. Nike’s Shannon Rowbury posted the top time of 4:11.75 in the event. The top six times in each heat qualified for Sunday’s 1,500 final.
“I would say that was the greatest race she has ever run in her life,” head coach Sean Cleary said. “Not only was it a personal best, but to handle the pressure as a sophomore in college against the greatest runners in the country is thrilling beyond belief.”
Only two competitors currently with college track programs finished ahead of Bland, Baylor’s Lauren Hagans (14th, 4:15.01) and Tennessee’s Sarah Bowman (11th, 4:13.29).
Bland recently completed her sophomore season at West Virginia and became the first female to earn All-America honors in three sports in the same school year.
