April 15, 2009
AZUSA, Calif. - Three San Diego State freshmen opened Mt. SAC Relays competition on Wednesday after they competed in the first four events of the heptathlon at Azusa Pacific University. Out of a possible 12 results, personal records were established eight times with three apiece occurring in the shot put and 200-meter dash, which were the final two events of the day.
The first-year trio of Julianne Alarcio, Kelsey Kaster and Sheehan Mitchell started things off with the 100-meter hurdles. Alarcio posted SDSU's top time after crossing the finish line in 16.25 seconds, while Mitchell and Kaster each logged personal records. Mitchell clocked in at 16.64 and Kaster finished with a time of 17.90.
From the track to the field, all competitors moved to the high jump pit where Mitchell cleared 5 feet, 1.00 inches. Kaster followed with a clearance of 4-11.75 and Alarcio finished with a leap of 4-10.50.
In the shot put, all three Aztecs enjoyed personal-record efforts. Kaster was San Diego State's top performer with a toss of 29-06.75, while Alarcio followed right behind her with an effort of 28-10.50. Mitchell, meanwhile, finished with a performance that covered 27-07.50.
After a pair of field events, the trio ended the day on the track for the 200-meter dash, where like the shot put, they all established personal bests. Alarcio surpassed her previous PR by .02 seconds with her time of 27.89 and Kaster was .34 seconds faster than her effort at the San Diego City Championships by completing the sprint in 28.00. Mitchell was not far behind Kaster after posting a time of 28.27.
At the end of day one, Alarcio totaled 684 points and sits in 21st place, while Mitchell and Kaster enter the final day in 25th and 31st place, respectively, with 638 and 499 points.
The final three events of the heptathlon will be contested tomorrow on the campus of Azusa Pacific.