April 28, 2007
IRVINE, Calif. - The Santa Clara track team spent travelled to southern California Saturday for the annual Steve Scott Invitational, hosted by UC Irvine. Despite blistering heat, the Broncos mustered a good performance as they prepare for the Division 1 Independent Championships.
The women's distance runners set the bar high, with all six placing in the top 10. Sophomore Veronica Vazquez led the way, finishing second with a time of 18:02.47. Junior Adriane Puetz finished fifth in 18:24.61, while freshman Shanthi Blanchard ran in her first 5k of the season and finished sixth in 18:37.84.
Freshman Joanna Gistand set personal records in the 100 meter hurdles and the 200 meter dash with times of 17.04 and 28.10, respectively.
On the men's side, Mike Delaurenti continued his assault on the SCU record books, taking 2nd in the 3000 meter steeplechase with a time of 9:19.88, while freshman Stephen Koch finished seventh in 9:44.85.
Instead of the traditional 1500 meter run, the One Mile run was held in honor of the 25th anniversary of Steve Scott's American record at that distance. Seven Broncos took part in the race, and were led by John Laughlin, who finished with a time of 4:25.85, a lifetime best. Newcomer John Howard also set a lifetime personal record of 4:37.88.
The Broncos are now less than two weeks away from the Division 1 Independent Championships which will be held May 12 and 13 at UC Davis. Santa Clara will have one final tune up next weekend at Sacramento State.
