Cornerstone University

Ripley & Green Advance To Steeplechase Finals

May 21, 2009

(Edwardsville, IL) The opening day of the NAIA Outdoor National Championships was sunny and hot. By 8 p.m. the shadow of the stadium covered the track and the temperature cooled somewhat as the men’s 3,000 meter steeplechase got underway.

Cornerstone’s two qualifiers, Zach Ripley and Alex Green were both assigned to the first heat. As the race got underway, Ripley -; runner up last year in the event- positioned himself at the front of the pack. Green sat near the back for the first half of the race. Ripley took over the lead, but controlled the pace which allowed Green to work his way up into the middle of the group. The top five from each of two heats and the next four fastest times would advance to the finals on Saturday and with on lap to go, chances were good for both Golden Eagles. Over the final 400 meters, Ripley did just enough to stay in the top four while expending as little effort as possible. The first five places worked their way clear by the last water jump and a determined effort by Green over the last barrier and final 80 meters put him just out of the top five, but in a three second personal best of 9:17.15. Ripley finished third in 9:15.96. The second heat was not as deep making Alex the first qualifier based on time.

In the Decathlon, Matt Haskins strung together good performances in the 100 meters (11.59), long jump (19’ 6”), shot put (38’ 7”), high jump (6’ .5”), and 400 meters (51.98). His score of 3287 for the first day put him tenth with the 110 hurdles, pole vault, discus, javelin and 1500 meters remaining.

Freshman Adam Duerksen made his outdoor nationals debut running 56.52 in the 400 meter hurdles to take seventh in his heat.