Missouri State women’s track and field team recorded several personal-best performances and three new entries in the program’s all-time top-10 list at the John McDonnell Invitational on April 24 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The event was highlighted by Ella Cronhardt, who won the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a personal-best time of 10:20.98, moving her to No. 2 all-time in Missouri State history. She also placed third in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:28.56, which ranks fourth on the school’s all-time list.
Head coach Jordan Fife said, “This team is truly moving in the right direction at the right time. The positive energy is contagious and we’re looking forward to a big next few weeks.” Claire Farrell also achieved a significant milestone by finishing eighth in the 400-meter dash with a personal-best time of 54.11 seconds—placing her sixth all-time for Missouri State.
In relay events, Missouri State’s team of Kayleigh Jenkins, Delaney Weimer, Claire Farrell and Olivia Rogers finished third in the 4×100-meter relay with a time of 45.17 seconds. In individual sprints and middle-distance races, multiple athletes set new personal records across events such as the 100-meter dash (Jenkins – eighth place), the 800-meter run (Abby Meyer – tenth place), and others.
The Bears showed strength across hurdles and field events as well. Shiloh Cross secured third place in triple jump while Tommi Martin led javelin throwers with a runner-up finish.
Missouri State will compete next at the SMU Invitational scheduled for May 1-2.
