By Tori Jackson
Reporter
Sophomore jumper Felix Obi led the Baylor Bears to personal and national records this past weekend at the University of Kentucky’s Rod McCravy Memorial meet at Nutter Field House.
Baylor men and women showcased their talents, especially Obi, who won the triple jump event. Obi broke his own record as well as set a new school record.
“He did outstanding,” Baylor head coach Todd Harbour said. “He is going to be breaking that record many more times throughout the season.”
Obi’s first jump of the day was recorded at 53-2.75 [16.22m].
“Honestly, when I jumped I felt like I won nationals,” Obi said. “I thought it was the best mark in the nation.”
Obi recorded the country’s second best mark in the triple jump event.
Along with Obi, fifteen other Bears managed to achieve personal bests during the Rod McCravy Memorial meet.
“I was really happy with how the team performed,” sophomore jumper Brianna Richardson said. “We had a lot of PR’s and good times. I saw everyone competing well, so that made me happy. We are going to have a good season.”
Despite finishing the meet with a hamstring injury, Richardson finished second in her event with a 43-0.5 [13.12m] in the triple jump. Richardson said, “I feel like I did great. I picked up where I left off last year.”
Prior to traveling to Kentucky, the Bears opened up the season with two event titles and a new school record.
“I think we did amazing,” Obi said. “There was a lot of PR’s and good times. It’s not easy to have two good meets in a row.”
Senior thrower, Erin Atkinson placed first in the weight throw. Atkinson won the event with a throw of 65-1.5 [19.85m], which places her 11th in the NCAA. Atkinson currently holds the school record for the weight and hammer throw.
Junior distance runner, Rachel Johnson also opened up the season with an event win and a personal best. Johnson recorded a sub-five minute mile with a time of 4:51.13, which gives her the tenth best time in the NCAA.
Along with two individual event wins, the women’s distance medley relay squad recorded a time of 11.35.49, a time faster than any recorded last season. Maggie Montoya, Katie Grovatt, Mariah Kelly and Rachel Johnson started the season off with personal bests and a first place finish.
