Jan. 8, 2011
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue men's and women's track and field teams had a strong opening to the 2011 indoor campaign on Saturday, turning in several outstanding marks as they hosted the Purdue Invitational at Lambert Fieldhouse. The Boilermakers won a combined 24 events on the day, including a pair by standout freshman Dani Bunch, who stormed her way into the Purdue women's record books.
Bunch posted all-time top-five Boilermaker marks in the shot put and weight throw on Saturday, tossing the No. 5 all-time mark in the shot put at 15.35 meters (50-04.50) and the No. 5 toss in school history in the weight throw at 19.20 meters (63-00.00).
Other solid outings on the women's side came from senior Emily Breslin, junior Leah Eber and freshman Nikki Nunn. Breslin had a solid start to her indoor campaign, clearing 1.75 meters (5-08.75) to top the women's high jump, while Eber leaped 11.85 meters (38-10.50) to win the triple jump in her first collegiate try in the event. Nunn kicked off her collegiate career with a win in the long jump, bouncing 5.71 meters (18-09.00) to top the field.
On the men's side senior captain Jacob Palmer opened his final indoor campaign in strong fashion, posting a career-best time in the 600-meter run at 1:20.39. Classmate Chris Kirtz turned in a personal record in the 60-meter dash as well, topping the event in 6.96 seconds. Other impressive wins came from senior Bill Hardcastle and rookie Seth Virgil as Hardcastle topped the weight throw and fell just shy of his career best at 17.62 meters (57-09.75), while Virgil won the long jump in his first collegiate meet with a mark of 7.12 meters (23-04.50).
The Boilermakers continue their indoor campaign next Saturday, hosting archrival Indiana University for a dual meet at Lambert Fieldhouse.