Fresno, CA --- The Academy of Art men's and women's track & field team took part in Run for the Dream in Fresno, CA this weekend presented by the California Milk Advisory Board. While junior Briana Stewart traveled to Albuquerque, NM to participate in the 2011 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 60m hurdles.
At the SaveMart Center in Fresno, CA numerous athletes improved their times in their respective events. Aric Armon and Alexander Craig finished first and second in the 600y run, Armon's time of 1:15.83 landed him on top of the competition. While Craig's 1:18.79 put him right behind his teammate.
In a head to head duel with Cal State Bakersfield in the 4x400 relay, Joey Villasenor, Shawn Daut, Geoffrey Cheruiyot, and Mark Bretan were narrowly edged out by the Roadrunners, finishing the race in 3:29.25 a mere .22 seconds behind CSU Bakersfield.
Going head to head again with Cal State Bakersfield, the men's 4x145 relay team comprised of Pearson Crichlow Erik Piedad, Aric Armon, and Remigius Roskosch were out run by two seconds, finishing in a time of 1:07.02.
On the field Remigius Roskosch again found himself finishing first in the long jump. The sophomore's jump of 6.91m (22' 8”) earned him his second first place finish this season.
On to the women, Kristen Lee held her own in the 55m dash. Lee, pit against runners from USC, finished seventh with a time of 7.34. Teammate Jazmin White placed two spots behind her in ninth.
Kylie Long finished second in the 800m run, clocking in at 2:23.13. Leticia Saldaña, in her third attempt at 800m run, earned a fourth place finish, her highest finish thus far in the season.
White, Lee, Chantel King, and Kylie Long came in third in the 4x400m relay. While Hannah Otey threw a season best 10.38m in the shot put.
Albuquerque, NM--- The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with the New Mexico Sports Authority, the University of New Mexico, the City of Albuquerque and USATF New Mexico, were the official hosts for the 2011 Indoor Track & Field Championships, which were held in Albuquerque. Briana Stewart, who has excelled all season, was chosen to participate in the illustrious event.
The junior ran an 8.70 in the semi-final round of the 60m Hurdles on Sunday, February 27th. Although she did not advance to the final round she was Academy of Art's first athlete to compete on the national stage.
"Briana got a taste of the big time today," said Head Coach Charles Ryan. "It was definitely a learning experience for her." Stewart found herself placed against the worlds top runners, including Kellie Wells, a silver medalist at the 2010 USA Outdoor Championships, and current 2011 record holder in the 60m hurdles.
"Running against such high level competition is a reminder [to Briana] of just how much work she has do to achieve her dreams," Ryan said. "Getting baptized by the pros is a good thing sometimes, she will benefit greatly from this."
Stewart has already proven she has the drive. So far this season Stewart has run the 60m hurdles in 8.48 and 8.57 earning her a third and first place finish against Division I opponents. "She had a great indoor season and a chance to represent ART U at the USA Championships. This has been awesome for her and the program as a whole," Coach Ryan closed.
