Sun Devils close indoor regular season with multiple podium finishers

(Photo courtesy Sun Devil Athletics)

The Arizona State indoor track and field regular season came to an end Saturday, with the club being split between the Tyson Invite hosted by Arkansas and the Don Kirby Invite hosted by New Mexico.

Freshman Judy Chepkoech achieved what few could say they’ve done Friday, as she broke the school record for the women’s 3000m not only as a freshman but in her first time running the event at a collegiate meet. Much of the year she had only run the 6k or the mile, but the 3000m may be a new event for her, as she immediately ranks as a top 40 runner in the event.

Chepkoech also scored for ASU in the women’s mile, placing fourth with a 4:41.03, which was the best mark of her career.

Senior Adriana Tatum secured the lone title in Fayetteville, winning the Women’s 200m dash. Her 23.00 time was enough to beat LSU’s Ella Onojuvewvwo and TCU’s Iyana Gray, who are both top 20 runners in the nation for the 200m dash. Adriana Tatum is currently ranked No. 8.

The only other top-three finisher at the Tyson Invite was senior Brandon Lloyd, who placed second in the shot put with a 19.03m / 62′ 5.25″ performance, about two feet short of his career high. He remains at No. 14 in the national rankings for shot put.

Sophomore Jayden Davis was the final top-five scorer, falling just short of his personal record in the men’s 400m dash with a 45.99. Davis didn’t get a chance to run in the men’s 4×400, as a collision on the third leg took both Arizona State and Iowa out of the race.

The Sun Devils will compete at the Big 12 Conference Indoor Championships from Feb. 28 to March 1, before sending their finest across the country to Virginia Beach to compete in the NCAA Indoor Championships.