Cornerstone University

Hamstring Halts Haskins

May 22, 2009

(Edwardsville, IL) The NAIA Track & Field National Championships moved into the second day of sunny skies and steamy conditions on the track.

Senior Matt Haskins began the final day of his collegiate career in his specialty, the decathlon. The two time All-American in the event was hoping to move up from tenth in the standings after the first five events. He began by running 17.53 in the 110 meter hurdles then threw 127’ 7” in the discus. While warming up for the pole vault he felt his left hamstring twinge, the same injury that took away most of the 2009 indoor season. After clearing his first height of 11’ 7.75”, the muscle pulled on his next attempt. Unable to plant on his left leg, Haskins withdrew with the javelin and 1500 meters remaining. “Matt considered taking one standing throw with the javelin and limping a few steps off the starting line in the 1500,” said coach Rod Wortley. “There is a sort of brotherhood between decathlon competitors and there is a measure of honor in making an effort to finish. This was certainly a disappointing way to go out, but I’m extremely proud of the way Matt has represented Cornerstone over the years. He’s a classy, tough competitor every time he steps on the track.

In the 5000 meter race walk, Kris Shear endured the brutally hot conditions to finish in seventeenth place. His time of 26.29.58 race was remarkably just seven seconds short of his personal best 26:29.58