WKU beats heat, claims wins while hosting Hilltopper Relays

Lucas Aulbach

The WKU track and field teams were able to score some impressive victories Saturday during the Hilltopper Relays, their only home meet of the outdoor season.

The teams worked through temperatures in the upper 80s, the warmest day of competition thus far this season.

Despite the heat the teams put up several winning performances throughout the day, including the women’s shot put and hammer throw events. WKU athletes took first, second and third in both events.

Junior Ignacio Guerra continued his hot streak with another first-place finish in the javelin throw. The transfer from Chile holds the WKU and Chilean records in the event and is currently ranked the No. 1 javelin thrower in the country.

The teams also had good showings in the 4×100 meter relay event, in which the women’s team took first place and the men’s team came in second.

Freshman runner Allison Riedling said the teams did well at home.

“It was a little windy today, but it was nice to run here since were used to it,” she said.

Head Coach Erik Jenkins was also pleased.

“Obviously we have a lot of work to do to be championship ready,” Jenkins said. “We gotta get healthy, but being at home, having good weather and having good teams helps in the preparation.”