It may have been the first meet of the outdoor season, but both the men’s and women’s Baker track and field teams won the Baker Relays Monday.
“It was very exciting to win both sides of the meet, the men and women, and coming out tough shows where we are at,” head coach Zach Kindler said. “I think that for our track and field teams, it was a good opportunity to see our other conference schools competing.”
Sophomore sprinter Laneisha Douglas won two of her events in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash at Liston Stadium.
Douglas’ finish time in the 100 was just 1/900th of a second from a qualifying mark for nationals.
“It felt really good being just a second from qualifying for nationals,” Douglas said. “I have really improved a lot over the past year.”
Douglas said if she can stay healthy, she plans to be back at nationals and is trying to qualify for the national meet before the conference championships.
“She is in superb shape, and she is really showing confidence in what she can do,” Kindler said. “It shows her maturity and talent as a sophomore.”
Junior thrower Brian Korn reached a qualifying mark for nationals after winning the hammer throw at the meet.
Sophomore Aubree Gustin also made a qualifying mark after winning the javelin.
Gustin was named to the all-conference basketball team and now ranks as one of the top 10 javelin throwers in the nation.
Despite Baker winning the meet, it was no small feat Monday as high winds were a challenge for the athletes.
“We had some real windy conditions, but we adjust in every event and try to do the best we can,” Kindler said. “We talk about putting ourselves in the right mindset and weather the elements.”
Freshman J.L. Anderson remained anxious prior to the meet even after it being postponed from Saturday to Monday.
“I was very anxious to see what I was capable of doing since it was the first meet of the season,” Anderson said. “I’m looking to do exceptionally well in the 400-meter hurdles.”
Anderson said he is looking to adjust to the length of the outdoor hurdle events, which include the 400-meter and 110-meter hurdles.
The team’s next competition is Saturday in Emporia for the Emporia State Invitational.
