April 8, 2006
ATHENS, Ga. - Distance runners David Rae and Michial Jacob led the Boilermakers Saturday at the University of Georgia-based Spec Towns Invitational, winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 5K.
Rae won the steeplechase with an NCAA regional qualifying mark of 9:00.53, beating Illinois' Dan Stock by over 20 seconds. Jacob also posted a convincing victory, topping Georgia's Matthew Robeson, 15:11.02 to 15:28.17.
Other highlights from the track included a third-place showing from Rickey Pinkney in the 110-meter hurdles (14.03), and a fourth-place finish from Brooke Woodruff in the 800-meter run (2:07.91). Both their marks were below the respective regional qualifying standards.
In the field, sophomore Kara Patterson won her third-straight javelin competition. Patterson's first throw was her best, landing at 54.60 meters (179 feet-2 inches); Georgia's Krista Woodward was a distant second with her top effort of 50.63 (166-01) and Boilermaker Lindsay Blaine was third at 48.56 (159-04).
Patterson, who entered this weekend ranked as the No. 1 javelin thrower in the country, also won at this season's Arizona State and Mike Poehlein Invitationals.
Pole vaulters Brianna Neumann and Jocelyn Lindsay both reached a top height of 3.95 meters (12-11.50), but lost first-place rights due to number of missed attempts. Neumann missed on her first attempt at 3.80 meters and Lindsay failed on her first two tries at 3.95.
Also in the field, Sheena James placed fourth in the shot put with a regional qualifying distance of 14.64 meters (48-00.50).
Purdue continues its road trip next weekend, traveling to Terre Haute, Ind., for the two-day Indiana State Invitational.