June 9, 2010
EUGENE, Ore. - The Purdue men's and women's track and field teams got off to a tough start at the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships on Wednesday, hosted by the University of Oregon at Hayward Field. Junior Emily Breslin was the Boilermakers' lone competitor on the day, and persevered through a rain-soaked and controversial start to clear the opening height before bowing out.
Things got off to a rocky start as the officials decided to start the women's high jump competition, despite a steady stream of rain, and Breslin was one of the first five athletes to take the runway. After a pair of misses by Breslin in the downpour, the officials deemed the conditions unsafe for competition and halted the action. After the rain stopped and the runway was cleared of water, they then allowed the athletes to warm-up a second time before resuming, counting the previous misses.
Breslin showed impressive resolve on the restart, clearing her final attempt at 1.72 meters (5-07.75) and advancing as one of just 14 athletes to make the opening height. However, she was unable to continue the run at the next height, missing her three attempts at 1.76 meters (5-09.25).
Action resumes tomorrow for the Old Gold and Black at 4 p.m. (PT) as seniors Eric Sparks and Nkeiru Ugwoaba compete in the men's pole vault and women's triple jump, respectively.