Track & Field | 2/23/2013 10:04:00 PM

SPU LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER - COMPLETE RESULTS

SEATTLE, Wash. – Chris Olsen highlighted a strong showing by the Western Oregon track and field teams at the Seattle Pacific Last Chance Qualifier on Saturday as the senior ran a career-best 1:51.43 in the 800-meters to lead the Wolves. The time almost guarantees the middle-distance runner a spot at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in two weeks.

“Chris (Olsen) ran an absolutely fantastic race for us today,” head coach Mike Johnson said. “Overall, we had some great performances and I was really proud of the way our athletes competed. Matson (Hardie) had a great jump as well and is right on the cusp of qualifying for the national meet.”

Hardie set a new personal record in the triple jump with a leap of 48-04 to win the event. The junior is currently tied for 16th nationally in the event and will have a shot at earning a spot into the championship meet.

In other action at the last chance meet, Garrett Hardie won the high jump with a leap of 6-04 while freshman Jeff Howard won the 60-meter dash in a time of 7.21

Also on the men's side, Brady Beagley and Drew Larson established new personal records in the mile as Beagley finished first in a time of 4:12.79 while Larson was just behind in second-place at 4:13.12.

On the women's side, Laura Copenhagen ran a season-best in the 800-meters with a time of 2:17.4 as Alexis Anderson won the triple jump with a leap of 11.51 meters.

Competing unattached, WOU assistant coach Monica Barnhart won the high jump with a leap of 5-05.25.

The WOU track and field squads will return to action on Saturday, March 2, as the outdoor season opens for the Wolves at the Willamette Opener in Salem, Ore. After the start of the outdoor season, the WOU indoor season concludes with the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships on Friday, March 8, in Birmingham, Ala.