NAMPA, IDAHO – The Alaska Anchorage women's distance medley relay broke three records and the Seawolves swept both 5,000 titles on day one of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships Friday.
The relay team of Ruth Cvancara, Vanessa Aniteye, Danielle McCormick and Caroline Kurgat won with a time of 11:23.47, setting new school, GNAC and GNAC Championship records. Aniteye is the top qualifier for the final of the 400 (56.62) Saturday.
The Seawolves posted a dominating performance in the men's 5,000 taking the top-five finishes. Wesley Kirui extended UAA's streak to seven consecutive victories in the event after running 14:55.66. Felix Kemboi, the defending champion in the event, finished two seconds behind. Edwin Kangogo (15:07.57), Jorge Sanchez (15:10.99) and Nickson Koech (15:11.48) completed the sweep.
Nancy Jeptoo brought home the win in the women's 5,000 with a time of 17:48.46. Jeptoo is the fifth Seawolf woman in the last seven years to win the event. Grace Gannon was eighth in 18:57.59.
The men's distance medley relay of Drew Johnson, Nathanial Brunett, Eduardo Orozco and Faisal Ibrahim, finished third (10:21.08). Orozco qualified second (1:54.58) for the 800 final Saturday.
Chrisalyn Johnson placed third in the long jump with a leap of 18-7.75.
David Sramek had a busy day. He currently sits fifth after day one of the heptathlon with 2,578 points. He also placed sixth in the pole vault (14-8.25) and seventh in the long jump (22-3.75).
Elano Cano finished sixth in the pentathlon with 3,229 points and qualified for the finals of the 60 hurdles with a time of 9.23. Yvonne Jeschke finished seventh in the pentathlon with 3,217 points.
Enrique Campbell qualified for the finals in both the 60 (7.05) and 200 (22.48).
The UAA men currently lead the team standings with 44 points and the women are third with 32 points.
The GNAC Championships conclude Saturday.