2006 Track and Field - Cougars Claim Eight All-Americans

		Track and Field	Men's Track and Field Women's Track and Field SIUE Athletics

Anthony Weber

March 13, 2006

Cougars Claim Eight All-Americans
        EDWARDSVILLE -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s and women’s track and field teams collected eight All-Americans at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships.
        The Cougars finished an indoor season in which the women’s team claimed its third Great Lakes Valley Conference indoor track and field title in a row and the men’s team its second GLVC indoor championship in the last three seasons.
        “Overall, I think this was another very solid national meet for the program,” said SIUE women’s track and field coach Ben Beyers. “Obviously we can always aim higher in terms of team finishes and things like that, but I’m very happy with the efforts of all the athletes who competed. I’m looking forward to the outdoor season now.”
        On the women’s side, the 1,600 meter relay team composed of Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.), Valerie Simmons (St. Louis, Mo.), Angel Royston (Florissant, Mo.), and Deserea Brown (Flossmoor) were named All-Americans. The 4x400 relay team placed fourth with a time of 3:46.16 for a new school record.
        “This was the second year in a row that our women’s 4 x 4 team has earned All-America status,” said Beyers. “This group has really overcome some obstacles to get where they are now. I’m very proud of the way they prepared and competed.”
        Callie Glover (Bartlett) placed fourth in the weight throw with a toss of 56 feet, 8.75 inches (17.29 meters) to earn All-American honors.
        Lindsey DeFevers (Virden) placed eighth in the weight throw with a toss of 46 feet, 2.5 inches. It was her third of six throws at the meet as she gained All-American status for SIUE.
        On the men’s side, Anthony Weber (Marengo), a junior, finished in a five-way tie for fourth place based on his overall performance at the meet. Weber was one of six NCAA competitors to clear 15 feet, 6.25 inches, in the pole vault and was named All-American.
        Junior Cody Ellermeyer (DuQuoin), a junior, gained All-American status finishing in sixth place at 800 meters with a time of 1:53.54.
        “This was Cody’s first trip to the national meet,” said Beyers. “I’m very happy with the way he focused and competed. We have a lot of 800-meter tradition here at SIUE, and so Cody is just the latest in the great legacy now.”
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