Five More Records Fall at Iowa State Open

William Penn University Athletics

Ames–Another week passed and numerous marks were again shattered as the William Penn indoor track and field teams competed at the Iowa State Open Friday and Saturday.

Alex Edwards (So., Knoxville, Iowa) led the way by qualifying for nationals in his second event in as many weeks. Last week it was the 800-meter run, and this week it was the 600-meter run as he finished fifth in the 600-yard run with an automatic-qualifying time of 1:12.04.

Jalen Wilson (So., Desoto, Texas) was the next-best competitor by winning the long jump with a distance of 23-3.25.

The 4×400-meter and distance medley relay teams were also impressive by breaking school marks with times of 3:25.75 and 10:59.16, respectively.

High jumper Sam Taylor (So., Eddyville, Iowa) and triple jumper Frederick Pannell (Fr., Trenton, Mo.) competed at high levels as well. Taylor was eighth at 6-0, while Pannell was ninth at 44-9.75.

School records from Meghan Foster (Fr., Centerville, Iowa) and Valinn McReynolds (Grad., Bellville, Texas, Master’s of Business Leadership) highlighted the Lady Statesmen efforts.

Foster broke her own weight throw mark with a 14th-place toss of 48-2.5, while McReynolds set a new record in the 5,000-meter run at 20:11.64. McReynolds was also eighth in the 3,000-meter run at 11:42.66.

Jazmine Epps (Fr., Princeton, Texas) and Alora Simmons (Fr., Newton, Iowa) tied for ninth by clearing the high jump bar at 4-9.

“I am super impressed with this team,” Head Coach Allen Friesen said. “They keep setting the bar higher every week and every week they meet the challenge.”

Next: William Penn travels to Pella next Saturday to compete in the Central Invitational.