March 29, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas - The track and field teams are back in action as the Texas Relays are underway. Thursday, the Cardinal began competition in a few events with many more to come through the weekend. Among the events contested were 4x800-meter relays, an unusual event in collegiate track and field.
The Cardinal women placed third in the 4x800-meter relay with a time of 8:48.48. Stanford showed off its emerging depth in the middle distances with an all underclassmen group. Jessica Tonn, Mary Kate Anselmini, Alli Billmeyer and Joy O'Hare combined on the effort.
The other Cardinal women that competed on the track were in the 400-meter hurdles. Kala Stepter finished just off her personal best with a time of 1:02.68, while Amber Farrell was just behind in 1:02.84.
Finally, freshman Madeline Treasure her first collegiate heptathlon, placing 21st with 4,642 points. Her top point total came in the 200 meters with a time of 25.57. She also excelled in the 100-meter hurdles with time of 15.47 and the 800 meters with a time of 2:28.46.
The men placed sixth in the 4x800-meter relay with a time of 7:32.35. Marco Bertolotti, Thomas Mallon, Andrew Berberick and Luke Lefebure combined of the effort.
Stanford also had a few runners in the open distance events. Brendan Gregg placed fifth in the 1,500 meters with a time of 3:51.58 and was just one spot ahead of teammate Miles Unterreiner who finished in 3:51.69.
Also competing was Benjamin Johnson in the 5,000 meters. The All-America steeplechaser was competing for the first time since midway through the cross-country season when he was shut down with an injury. Johnson placed fourth in 14:39.98 in his first race in over six months.
On the field, Aaron Konigsberg competed in the javelin, tossing 191-5. The mark was off of Konigsberg personal best set earlier this season, but still a solid effort.
The Texas Relays will continue Friday and Saturday from the Mike A. Meyers Track and Soccer Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas.