Ek soars 10'8" Breaking 23 Year HCC Women's Pole Vault Record

Friday, February 3rd, HCC was back in Lexington, Va. for the two-day VMI Winter Relays.

Day one of the competition saw Mikaila Ek breaking a 23-year-old HCC school record in the women's pole vault. Clearing 3.25 meters (10'8") on her second attempt, the freshman took down the 10'6" indoor mark of four-time NJCAA All American (and HCC Athletic Hall of Famer) Becky Walter. The previous record was set in 1999. The clearance for Ek was a lifetime best by an astounding 7 1/2 inches.

Ladies Team Captain, Josey Reineman placed second in the high jump at 1.60 meters (5'3"), just 3/4 of an inch below her career best.

Freshman Michael Kelly set a personal record in the 60 meter high hurdle prelims, clocking 8.64 seconds.

The Hawk victory of the meet was in the men's distance medley relay. Tommy Bildheiser led-off with a 3:11.7 1200 meter split. Michael Kelly split the 400 meters in 54.5 seconds. Trevor Page recorded 2:06.9 for the 800 meter leg, and Men's Team Captain Ryan Rasco closed out the victory with a 4:22.7 1600 meter stick carry. The 10:35.92 winning time was a season's best by over 16 seconds and bested second place VMI by 6.00 seconds.

The Hawks compete today and tomorrow in the DII Indoor Track & Field Pre-Nationals at the Virginia Beach Sports Center, Virginia Beach, VA.