OU Relay Finishes Second in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas – The race run Saturday by the foursome of Ama Pipi, Daye Shon Roberson, Daunicia Demerson and Payton Baker gave them second place in the 4x400-meter relay and was an accurate reflection of the four days the University of Oklahoma track and field teams had at the 88^th annual Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays.

The Sooner relay started strong, got better, dropped back a bit, then came on strong at the end for the runner-up finish in the college/university division of the relay. They posted a 3:38.88, the second fastest time of the season in the race. They also moved from third to second on the final leg to wrap up a solid four days at one of the elite track and field meets in the country.

“I am really happy with how this young group has progressed,” Kevin Tyler, OU assistant coach for sprints, hurdles and relay, said. “The time today is 16 seconds faster than we ran last year. For the second day in a row, it was a great split by Daye Shon. The second leg ran an unofficial 52.3, her fastest run ever."

The relay was one of several Sooner entries to compete on the final day of the relays. The women's discus throwers opened the competition day. Kate Foster finished eighth in the B division with a 157-1 while Jess Woodard was ninth with a 150-10. Alex Morgan finished ninth in the A division of the discus with a 167-0.00.

From the beginning with combined events through women's 4x400, we were strong.
Jim VanHootegem, head coach

Avione Allgood was eighth in the A division of the shot put with a 50-1.75. Woodard completed her second event on Saturday, finishing 11^th with a 48-1.25. Both marks were outdoor season bests as it was OU first time to have entries in the women's shot put.

Carl Williams had a no height in the A division of the high jump and Hannah Cunliffe was held out of the 100 final. The move was precautionary as she ran in the NCAA Indoor two weeks ago.

“From the beginning with combined events through women's 4x400, we were strong,” Sooner head coach Jim VanHootegem praised. “We finished with a strong effort by the relay who matched their performance in a more competitive environment. This meet is not the easiest. There's a lot going on so it's not easy getting focused. That's on purpose to see how we adjust. It's a long track meet over four days.

“There's a lot of different stuff with times and things going on. These are the kinds of the conditions they have to be able to perform in. You had a great track, great weather and a great crowd,” VanHootegem continued. “Still, these conditions are not easy. Some people did well. These are the types of meets we want our athletes to compete in, so it's done on purpose. Overall, we were pleased with the efforts.”

The Sooners will split up next weekend with entries in the two-day Stanford Invitational Friday and Saturday and the single day Baylor Invitational on Friday.

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Players Mentioned

Avione Allgood

Payton Baker

Daunicia Demerson

Ama Pipi

Daye Shon Roberson

Carl Williams

Jess Woodard

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics