Benard sets school triple jump record at Mt. SAC Relays
The Arizona State University track and field team wrapped up competition Saturday at the 54th Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif.
The performance of the day belonged to Chris Benard for the No. 8 men's team in the triple jump as the senior added the outdoor school record to go with his indoor record set earlier this season.
Benard soared 16.74m (54-11.25) on his first and again on his final attempt of the day to surpass Deon Mayfield's 30-year-old school record of 16.72m (54-10.25). With the jumps, Benard moved into the national collegiate lead in the event, just ahead of Florida's Omar Craddock.
The jump also earned Benard a ticket to the USA Olympic Trials as he met the Olympic `A' standard in the process.
Jordan Clarke improved upon his national lead in the shot put with a runner-up finish and a new outdoor personal best of 19.77m (64-10.50). The mark improved upon Clarke's hold on the No. 5 spot in NCAA history.
Things got underway at Hilmer Lodge Stadium with the #16 women's team taking part in the Elite section of the 4x100-meter relay, taking fifth overall in 45.07. The team of Asiah Gooden, Keia Pinnick, Alycia Herring and Kayla Sanchez currently sit fourth in the Pac-12 Conference in the event.
In the women's shot put, Anna Jelmini took eighth overall in the Elite section with a throw of 16.77m (55-00.25). Jelmini was second among attached collegians in the event, following her top collegiate finish in the Elite section in the women's discus on Friday.
In the women's long jump Elite section, junior Christabel Nettey took seventh place with her leap of 6.25m (20-06.25). Sophomore Derick Hinch rounded out competition for the Sun Devils on the day as he had a best jump of the day of 5.38m (17-08.00).
The Sun Devils will return to action next weekend as they head south to Tucson for the annual ASU-UA-NAU Double Dual Meet hosted this year by the University of Arizona next Saturday.