Freshman Emily Richards breaks her own school record in the 800 to lead Women's Track & Field at the North Central (Ill.) Keeler Invitational

By Tim Glon

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Freshman Emily Richards broke her own school record in the 800 run to lead the Ohio Northern women's outdoor track and field team at the non-scoring North Central (Ill.) Keeler Invitational Thursday and Friday at the Buikema Track.

The Polar Bears (52-10 overall) had six individuals compete in the meet, which lasted into the early morning hours on Saturday due to weather delays.

Richards finished third of 54 runners in the 800 in 2:10.58, which moves her into ninth place nationally in the event.

She broke her previous record of 2:11.27 by .69 of a second.

Sophomore Rebecca Carman won the long jump with a season-best leap of 17' 10 3/4".

Senior Gabrielle Metzner was fourth in the 100 hurdles in :15.18 and junior Sarah Ballmer was fourth in the pole vault by clearing 11' 8", which tied her season-best effort.

Senior Catie Huber was 12th of 46 runners in the 1500 in 4:43.55 and freshman Alexis Kandel was 33rd in the 800 in 2:23.25.

Ohio Northern will wrap up its regular season next Thursday-Friday at the North Central Gregory Invitational at the same venue.