Top notch: Women’s relay wins national title

Senior Kelly Russ completes a successful hand off to senior Nikki Arola in the women's 4x400-meter relay. It went on to place first setting a Recreational Center record and NCAA provisional time of 3:57.02. (Josh Kleven/TommieMedia) — Senior Kelly Russ completes a successful hand off to senior Nikki Arola during the MIAC championships March 6. The two helped St. Thomas win the national title in the distance-medley relay Friday, March 12. in Greencastle, Ind. (Josh Kleven/TommieMedia)

The women’s track and field distance-medley relay are national champions.

Freshman Taylor Berg and seniors Nikki Arola, Erin Sprangers and Kelly Russ ran the relay in 11:50.46, taking the title in Greencastle, Ind., with the fastest time by more than a second.

“We started out kind of in the back, and each person brought us forward,” Sprangers said. “Kelly Russ ran an outstanding mile and took us to the finish.”

The women got silver both in 2008 and 2007 but this year it’s gold and the win was worth 10 team points for St. Thomas. The Tommies will continue to compete throughout the weekend.

Sophomore Mike Hutton qualified for Saturday’s finals in the 800 and freshman Eyo Ekpo will compete in the triple jump.

Jordan Osterman can be reached at jrosterman@stthomas.edu

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