2006 Track and Field - Cougars Prepare For GLVC Indoor Championships

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February 20, 2006

Cougars Prepare For GLVC Indoor Championships
        The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships this weekend in Crawfordsville, Ind.
        The women’s team is looking for its third consecutive GLVC Indoor Championship, while the men’s team is trying to win its second title in the last three years.
        “The conference meet has become a big landmark for our program,” said SIUE women’s track and field coach Ben Beyers. “We’ve been fortunate enough to win a few lately. I think we have a chance to see some special performances at the conference meet.”
        Both teams were at the Indiana Invitational last weekend.
        “This meet was a phenomenal opportunity for our athletes to solidify their conference and national standing,” said Beyers. “We were able to go and get several school and personal records as well as several efforts that will likely get a few athletes into the national meet.”
        Callie Glover (Bartlett) broke the school record in the weight throw with a toss of 57 feet, 3 inches. That broke her personal best by more than two feet.
        “Callie has been training hard throughout the season,” said SIUE men’s track and field coach Dave Astrauskas. “Her performance this weekend was impressive.”
        Deserea Brown (Flossmoor) won the 400 meters with a mark of 56.07. “I’m so thrilled that Dez had such a huge breakout race,” said Beyers. “I am so proud of her for such a tremendous performance on such a large stage.”
        Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) finished second at 200 meters with a time of 24.88.
        “Tai ran a very solid race,” said Beyers. “This was her most complete race so far this season. I’m excited to see what she does in the next few weeks.”
        The women’s 1,600-meter relay team consisting of Brown, Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.), and Valerie Simmons (St. Louis, Mo.), and Angel Royston (Florissant), team placed second at the event with a time of 3:45.61 to improve its provisional qualifying time for the NCAA Championships.
        “These ladies ran an unbelievable race,” said Beyers. “We knew we needed to lower our time a little to insure our spot in the national meet.”
        On the men’s side, Kyle Rose (Kankakee) won the 400 meters in a time of 48.52.
        “Kyle continues to run great,” said Beyers. “Every race he runs he’s learning more about himself and how to really maximize his efforts.”
        Cody Ellermeyer (DuQuoin) won the 600 meters with a mark of 1:52.91.
        "Cody had a tremendous breakthrough,” said Beyers. “To see him really believe in himself and run such a gutsy and smart race was a wonderful feeling.”
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