RESULTS 

MOSCOW, Idaho – The 2020 indoor track and field season began with a strong performance by Idaho at the Lauren McCluskey Multi and Vandal Open on Friday and Saturday in the Kibbie Dome.

"For our first meet, I thought we competed fantastic. I was really excited," said director of track and field/cross country, Tim Cawley. "A lot of kids fought hard and competed well. It was enjoyable to watch. For an opener I think we're in a good spot."

Zachary Short, the reigning Big Sky Conference shot put champion, was on form on Saturday, winning the shot put easily with a fling of 19.15m (62-10.00). That mark puts Short ranked No. 10 in the nation for the young season.Teammate Grady Leonard was second in the event.

Rechelle Meade also picked right up from her strong 2019 season, winning the long jump with a leap of 6.12m (20-01.00). The senior's mark is tied for 10th in the nation. 

Ben Doucette won the men's 60-meter dash in 6.97 seconds. The senior also took third in the 60-meter hurdles.

Vandals finished two and three in the women's 60-meter dash, with Meade followed closely by Jordyn Rauer. Rauer had a new career-best in the event of 7.93 seconds.

Idaho women also came in second and third in the 400-meter dash. Lauren Paven and Aaryanna Kurucz both improved on their career bests to make the podium.

On the men's side in the 400, Spencer Barrera won the event in 48.64. 

Kaizer Gillispie took first in the men's 200-meter dash in 22.03.

Malaina Thacker won the 800-meter run, smashing her personal best and finishing in 2:15.06. Anna Pecha came in just behind her teammate to take second in the event.

The Vandal men were also strong in the 800-meters. Dean Ellenwood took first in 1:54.39, while Idaho was also third, fourth, sixth, and seventh in the event.

In the men's mile run, Ben Shaw came in first, timing in at 4:17.05, and just edging out an Eastern Washington runner.

Vandals also finished in the top two spots in the women's 3000-meter run. Freshman Kelsey Swenson led the way in 10:22.44, while Nathalia Campos ran a career-best 10:30.73 to come in second.

Freshman Tayler LyDay came out hot, winning the triple jump in her first career meet. She leapt 11.87m (38-11.50), while teammate Rauer was second.

Freshman Julia Hayes started her career out strong, placing second in the high jump.

Vandal Zachary Nunis was first in the men's long jump (7.42m/24-04.25), while Cullen Williams won the weight throw (18.71m/61-04.75).

The relay teams also came out strong, with the women's 4x400 relay team made up of Aaryanna Kurucz, Anna Pecha, Malaina Thacker, and Lauren Paven winning the event in 3:59.09. On the men's side, the squad made of Kaizer Gillispie, Dean Ellenwood, Jenner Higgins, and Josiah Anderson finished in 3:22.14, taking first.

"It was great to see the community and department coming out to help. When you have the President of the University and Athletic Director working the finish line and raking pits, you can see what a close community we have. It's pretty awesome to be part of a community and university like that," said Cawley. "Overall, I'm really excited. I thought the Vandals did great. I'm proud of the team today."

The Vandals will next be in action on January 23 for the Idaho Open, hosted in the Kibbie Dome.
 
To stay current on all Vandal Athletics visit GoVandals.com, or follow the Vandals on Twitter, @Idaho_Vandals.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho track and field/cross country by following the team on Twitter @IdahoTrack.