OSU's Thomson Takes 1,500 Meter Race - Oregon State University Athletics

EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon States’ Holly Thomson, a graduate of Eugene’s Sheldon High, returned to her hometown Saturday and won her section of the women’s 1,500 meters in the Oregon Invitational track and field meet at Hayward Field. Thomson’s time of 4 minutes, 34.21 seconds, moved her up to sixth place from 10th on OSU’s all-time top 10 list in the event; the time was also a personal record by four seconds for Thomson.

“I’m really pleased with Holly,” OSU head coach Kelly Sullivan said. “It was a big personal best for her, and she also got to win at home. She ran a 4:57 as a senior in high school, so she's dropped 23 seconds in two years."

Sylvia Veal, who has suffered from a sore arch in her foot, also competed in that section of the 1,500 meters. Veal placed sixth the field of 10 in 4:39.53.

“Sylvia has missed three weeks of training due to a sore arch,” Sullivan said. “She ran really well, she came out and almost ran her personal best.”

Julie Garcia also moved onto the OSU all-time top 10 list in the 800 meters, taking over the No. 10 spot with a time of 2:14.52. Garcia finished third of 14 in the race.

“Julie ran really well today,” Sullivan said. “She has improved her personal best at every meet for the past three weeks.”

The Beavers continue running April 27 at the John Knight Twilight meet at Western Oregon.

OREGON STATE AT OREGON INVITATIONAL – SATURDAY’S RESULTS

Winners and Oregon State results

WOMEN’S 800 METERS (Field of 14): 1. Haley Reeves, Weber State, 2:11.55; 3. Julie Garcia, 2:14.52; 7. Noelle Harer, 2:17.42; 13. Katelyn Van Brunt, 2:28.81

WOMEN’S 1,500 METERS SECTION B (Field of 10): 1. Holly Thomson, 4:34.21; 6. Sylvia Veal, 4:39.53; 9. Holli Dieu, 4:48.70; 10. Elise Aschwanden, 5:01.46.