Oneonta - Four members of the Vassar College women’s track team, junior Brittany Davis, sophomores Johanna Spangler and Elizabeth Forbes and freshman Kelly Holmes, competed in Oneonta May State Meet on Thursday evening, a Last Chance Meet for each runner to either improve times for participation in the NCAA Track Championships or achieve personal best performance as the season draws to a close.
In a gutsy effort, Spangler ran a personal best and a school record time of 17:31.08 in the 5000 meters,which was her second provisional NCAA time of the season. Spangler, who is currently ranked 24th in the nation in 10000 meters, is the first Vassar runner to run an NCAA provisional time in any event. "Jo has rewritten the Vassar College distance records this season and has had a tremendous break out year," said head coach James McCowan.
Fellow sophomore Forbes also competed in the 5000 meters. Running solo throughout the race, Forbes ran 18:32.20, a fourth place finish. According to McCowan, she (Forbes) was "stuck between packs and had to do all her own pace work to produce a strong time." Said McCowan, "Elizabeth had a phenomenal season and ran multiple break out races this year. She has proven to be a top runner in the region and an outstanding athlete."
In a competitive 800 meters race that was stacked with national caliber runners, Holmes finished 7th in with a time of 2:18.35. In the process of shaving nearly two seconds off her previous best effort, Holmes set a new personal and school record. Both of Holmes’ school records this season had stood since Tracy Nichols set them in 1989. "Kelly held her own in a very competitive race," said McCowan. "She held her own and ran a very tactically smart race. It was a good way for her to end the season."
In the 3000 meter Steeplechase, the top three runners all produced NCAA provisional times, which had the race running at a premium speed. Junior Brittany Davis was hoping to break the 12 minute mark, but fell short of her goal, finishing 8th in 12:26.15. "Brittany’s steeple was not what she wanted, but after losing contact with the national caliber field she slid off pace," explains McCowan." Brittany has smashed her personal best in the steeple all season long, and has been an exceptionally dedicated and passionate athlete."
