Anderson gives Bruins a pair of national leaders in New Mexico; Cotter impresses in track opener to grab Division 2 lead in pursuit of repeating as NCAA indoor champion

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

ALBUQUERQUE – The final day of the Don Kirby Elite Indoor Invitational showcased the long-awaited season debut for Stephanie Cotter and a return to form for Shae Anderson.

Both athletes concluded the competition at the Albuquerque Convention Center in New Mexico by competing in the 4x400-meter relays, but they had already made their marks Friday by achieving national-leading times in their respective NCAA divisions.

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Anderson, a UCLA junior, clocked an indoor personal-best 52.07 seconds in the 400 meters, which adjusts to 52.18 with the altitude conversion, grabbing the Division 1 lead after lowering her own program record.

Anderson also contributed to the Bruins producing the meet’s fastest time of 3:33.98 in the 4x400, which converts to 3:34.42 and the No. 8 program nationally.

Cotter, an Adams State sophomore and the reigning Division 2 indoor mile and outdoor 1,500-meter champion, competed in her first track race of the year after capturing the national cross country title Nov. 23 in Sacramento.

Cotter clocked an indoor-best 4:44.23 in the mile, which adjusts to 4:38.04 with the altitude conversion, to prevail against former Utah State All-American Cierra Mecham (4:47.76). Cotter also split 58.31 on Adams State’s 4x400 (3:58.21).

Oregon junior Isaiah Griffith, making his triple jump season debut, elevated to No. 5 in Division 1 with a mark of 53 feet, 1.50 inches (16.19m).

Washington State sophomore Charisma Taylor elevated to No. 6 in Division 1 in the women’s triple jump with an effort of 44-2.75 (13.48), prevailing against UTEP sophomore Chantoba Bright at 43-7 (13.28) and Oregon sophomore Lexi Ellis at 43-5.75 (13.25m).

Bright improved to No. 14 in Division 1 and Ellis remained at No. 3 from her 44-6 (13.56m) from Feb. 1 at the Razorback Invitational.

Towson senior Lauren Coleman improved to No. 14 in Division 1 with a 54-11.50 (16.75m) shot put. Cal sophomore Josh Johnson elevated to No. 17 in the men’s shot put with his mark of 63-9.50 (19.44m).

Canadian standout Anicka Newell won the women’s pole vault with a 14-11.50 (4.56m) clearance.

Washington senior Chase Smith prevailed in the men’s pole vault competition with a 17-7.25 (5.37m).

Adams State senior Paddy Robb completed a sweep of the mile races, clocking 4:12.35.

New Mexico senior Max Wharton prevailed in the men’s 800 in 1:50.28, with UNLV junior Avi’Tal Wilson-Perteete clocking 2:08.05 in the women’s 800.

UTEP senior Sean Bailey edged New Mexico senior Carlos Salcido by a 46.46 to 46.65 margin in the men’s 400.

Oregon sophomore Emily Sloan prevailed in the women’s 60 hurdles in 8.18 seconds. Washington State junior Sam Brixey clocked 7.72 in the men’s 60 hurdles.

Oregon junior Brianna Duncan won the women’s 60 in 7.26. Kevaun Rattray, representing CPTC New Balance, clocked 6.56.