April 17, 2009
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue men's and women's track and field teams opened the third-annual Dave Rankin Invitational with a series of solid showings in the hammer throw. Senior Ben Harpenau topped the men's side with a first-place toss of 63.47 meters (208-03), while freshman Emily Leckenby loosed a series of personal records for the Boilermaker women.
Harpenau exceeded the NCAA Regional standard for the fourth consecutive meet, hurling his top mark of the day on his final throw to secure his win. Fellow senior Bryce Simon topped his season-best, earning sixth place with a toss of 53.23 meters (174-08), and freshman Ben Schnepp hurled a career-best mark of 44.60 meters (146-04).
Leckenby had her best career performance, cracking her career best in the event on her first three throws and topping out at an impressive 51.77 meters (169-10) on her fifth of six tosses. She took third place overall, finishing behind Kentucky's Kristin Smith and Ashley Muffet who both exceeded the regional standard with marks of 58.36 meters (191-06) and 57.73 meters (189-05), respectively. Leckenby's top throw bumps her to fifth place in the Big Ten standings this season, giving the Boilermakers two in the top-five along with junior Stacey Wannemacher.
The Dave Rankin Invitational continues tomorrow (Saturday) at 10 a.m. with the women's javelin throw. Track events commence at noon with the combined men's and women's 10,000-meter run. For schedules and event results please visit PurdueSports.com throughout the day.