Maryville, MO - The Reivers had a strong showing at the Northwest Missouri State University Open meet. Highlighted by Sophomore Miracle Ailes who broke an NJCAA, facility, meet, and Iowa Western school record in the Women's High Jump, Ailes soared to a new personal best and the national mark of 1.87m. She broke the previous national record of 1.84m by Jelena Rowe of South Plains College in 2018.
"Miracle's performance was great. She's a special athlete," Head Coach David Burnett said. "To break the national record is huge for her confidence to show that with the new staff we have, she can be successful. Coach Devries has built a good camaraderie with the jumpers and he gets them ready to perform."Mo Kowa and Jacinto led the way for the distance squad breaking a few school records and Mercy Biwott had a strong showing also."
A pair of freshmen also ran to school records. Freshman Mohammed Kowa ran 4:07.34 in the mile to place 1st and is ranked 1st nationally and Freshman Jacinto Gaspar ran 8:20.32 in the 3000m and is ranked 3rd nationally. Mercy Biwott won the 5000m running 17:24.09, ranked 1st nationally.
Sophomore Monique Grant was a double event winner, as she posted 2 event wins. In the Women's 60m hurdles, Grant dashed to a new personal best of 8.48, which ranks 2nd nationally. She also won the long jump with a mark of 5.63m, good for 6th nationally.
Sophomore sprinter Daniella Deer placed 1st in the 600y running 1:25.69, good for 5th nationally. Tahj Hamm was 1st in the 200m running 21.35, ranking 5th nationally. Andrew Brown was 2nd in the 60m and 200m ranking 18th and 6th nationally respectively. Sophomore Rahyme Christian was 2nd in the 60m hurdles in 8.22, good for 12th nationally.
Freshman Denzs Simmonds led the way in the throws. He placed 2nd in the shot put heaving it 16.55m, ranking 5th nationally. Sophomore Michael Harris improved his national ranking by throwing the shot 15.69m.
The Reivers return to action January 27-28 at The University of Central Missouri when they will participate in the Indoor Mule Relays.
