The West Virginia track and field team excelled at the Mountaineer Twilight, earning several event wins right at home. The meet, hosted by WVU at The Track and Field Complex at Mylan Park, was the perfect opportunity for the Mountaineers to take center stage and showcase their talent in front of a home crowd. Read more WVU Shines on Home Turf with Multiple Victories at Mountaineer Twilight.
The Mountaineer Twilight
Redshirt sophomore, Olivia Cress, posted a time of 15.20 in the 100-meter hurdles, bringing home the first win of the day.
Sophomore Cate Pickering took home first in the 400 meters, crossing the finish with a time of 1:00.06. Sophomore Izayah Everett, and junior Sierra Heisey secured first and second place in the 100 meters, with respective times of 12.48 and 13.10. Their strong performances in the sprints reflected WVU’s growing depth and preparation in speed-based events.
Cress struck again later in the meet, this time dominating the 400-meter hurdles with a winning time of 1:02.30. The Mountaineers continued their momentum in the 200 meters, where Everett, Pickering, and Heisey swept the podium with first, second, and third-place finishes. This sweep marked one of the most exciting moments of the meet; and it was even sweeter being at home.
Eva Rinker took first in the 1,500 meters, clinching a time of 4:46.85. Redshirt sophomore Audrey Hall and redshirt junior Zera Zervos finished second and third place, with respective times of 4:47.98 and 4:51.09. The trio worked closely together throughout the race, pacing off one another to secure a strong team finish.
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Freshman Jennifer O’Palko placed sixth, also achieving her personal best of 4:56.08. Redshirt junior Aubrie Custer placed immediately behind O’Palko in seventh place, achieving her season best of 4:56.19. Both runners continue to show steady growth as the season progresses, adding valuable depth to the team’s distance unit.
In the field, Annishka McDonald, redshirt sophomore, claimed first place in the high jump at 1.66 meters. In the long jump, freshman Sabria Jones leaped 5.64 meters. The field event athletes added to WVU’s overall dominance, helping round out a successful day across all disciplines.
Up Next for the Mountaineers
The Mountaineers will travel to Philadelphia, Pa., next to participate in the Penn Relays at Franklin Field. The event will span from Thursday, April 24th to Saturday, April 26th.
Following the Penn Relays, WVU will host the Stan Romanoski Open, which will be held on The Track and Field Complex at Mylan Park. This event will also commemorate Jerry West, as it is set for Jerry West Day. These final meets will be critical in preparing the Mountaineers for the intensity of postseason competition. With athletes continuing to peak and records being broken, WVU is entering championship season with serious momentum.
These will be the last two outdoor events for the Mountaineers leading up to the Big 12 Outdoor Championships – which will then lead into the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds, and the Outdoor Championships to finish the season.
WVU Shines on Home Turf with Multiple Victories at Mountaineer Twilight.
