Veal Breaks School Record in 1,500-meters
EUGUNE, Ore. – Junior Sylvia Veal (Aloha, Ore.), running in her last race of the season, broke Oregon State’s all-time school record in the 1,500-meters with a time of 4:27.52 in the USA Olympic Trials Qualifier at Hayward Field.
“It was really good to see Sylvia come out and do what she did today, especially after the tumble at Pac-10s last week and all of the frustration that happened there,” head coach Kelly Sullivan said. “It was an elite field and Sylvia as well as our other two runners hung with the best.”
Senior Jean-Marie Peterson (Canby, Ore.), running in the 1,500-meters with a time of 4:36.67. Today’s competition would be her final race in an Oregon State uniform.
“This was a great race for Jean-Marie to finish her career and get some closure after how things transpired last week,” Sullivan said. “What happened there was as unfortunate and disappointing thing I have ever seen happen to two fine athletes. It really shows their character to come out here and do what they did.”
Also, freshman Casey Masterson (Eugene, Ore.), running unattached, set a new personal best in the 1,500-meters with a time of 4:31.34.
“Casey ran really well today. Again a great way for her to finish her season,” Sullivan said. “What she put together today is very encouraging for her career at Oregon State.”
Accompanying the Beaver runners was a large contingent of Oregon State track and cross country team members there to root on their teammates.
“This race was nice to have,” Sullivan said. “Because of our location we were able to get in here on such short notice and compete as well as give a lot of people an opportunity to see us one more time. It was great to have so many of our women out here showing their support for our three competitors today.”
