Distance Runners Pace Track & Field in Friday Action

Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services

Distance Runners Pace Track & Field in Friday Action

April 20, 2018 | Track & Field

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Sophomore Maritza Rodriguez clocked Ball State track & field's fastest time in the outdoor 5,000m run since the 2013 season to lead the Cardinals in Friday action across a pair of meets.

Competing at the Jesse Owens Track Classic hosted by Ohio State, Rodriguez placed fourth in the 5,000m race with a career-fast time of 17:33.41. It was Ball State's fastest time in the event since Courtney Edon crossed the finish line in 17:25.87 at the Hillsdale "GINA" Relays on April 25, 2013.

In addition, freshman Cayla Eckenroth placed 12th in the 5,000m run at Friday's Jesse Owens Track Classic with a career-fast time of 17:58.07. It marks the first time Ball State has had a pair of sub-18:00 times in the same 5,000m race since the Miami Invitational held April 6, 2013 (MaryKate Mellen, 17:37.53 and Courtney Edon, 17:43.96).

In other action at the Jesse Owens Classic, sophomore Peyton Kneadler placed 34th in the 1,500m run with a time of 4:50.23.

In the Cardinals' lone event on the opening day at the War Eagle Invitational hosted by Auburn, freshman Abby Denham placed 10th in the javelin with a throw of 34.41m.

The Ball State track & field team returns to action Saturday, competing in eight events at both the Jesse Owens Track Classic and the War Eagle Invitational.

First up for the Cardinals in Columbus will be freshman Jada Caldwell in the shot put at 10:30 a.m. ET, while action at Auburn will also begin with sophomore Kelsey Walters in the shot put at 1 p.m. ET / Noon CT.

For the most up-to-date news on Ball State track & field, follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateTFXC.

Ball State Individual Results at War Eagle Invitational
Javelin
MAC Qualifying Standard: 40.40m / 132'-6" - School Record: 42.78 / 140-4.5 by Kim Woodhouse in 1982
10th - Abby Denham - 34.41m

Ball State Individual Results at Jesse Owens Track Classic
1500m Run
MAC Qualifying Standard: 4:30.18 - School Record: 4:25.67 by Katie Nowak in 2002
34th - Peyton Kneadler - 4:50.23

5000m Run
MAC Qualifying Standard: 16:56.24 - School Record: 16:15.29 by Katie Nowak in 2003
4th - Maritza Rodriguez - 17:33.41*
12th - Cayla Eckenroth - 17:58.07*