Final tune-up at Linfield

Last Saturday marked the final meet before the Big Sky Championships for the Portland State track team. According to head coach Tony Veney, the Vikings ended the meet, hosted by Linfield College, with “several credible performances.”

On the women’s side, there were a handful of notable finishes for the Vikings. Ena Shemi took first place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.66. Jenny Rodgers placed in two events, winning the 800-meter with a personal best time of 2.18.34. Rodgers took second in the 1500-meter run with a time of 4.41.18. Lisa Gunderson took second place in the 400-meter as well as the high jump. Gunderson marked a time of 1.04.46 in the 400 and cleared a height of 1.65 meters in the high jump. In the 400-meter relay, Heidi Stuart, Nikisha Sadowski, Michelle Thueson and Krishelle Jessee took first place with a time of 53.25.

In men’s action, Andre Gittens was able to place second in the 100, running into a firm headwind with a time of 11.21. Anthony Robinson reached second place with his personal record in the 400, clocking a time of 49.05. Gittens’s time automatically met the Big Sky standard. Evan Garich finished second place in both the 800 and 1500 runs. Finally, in the men’s triple jump, Patrick Sideris took first place with his best-recorded jump of 13.69 meters.

“We are as fit as we are going to get. It is just a matter of smart training, rest and getting over some bumps and bruises going into the ‘Big One’ in two weeks,” Veney said.

The Vikings get a week off before they travel to Missoula, Mont. to compete in the Big Sky Championships on May 15.