Reedy Re-Writes Record

NORMAN -- The weather held up and the Sooners broke out some stellar performances on the first day of the John Jacobs Invitational.

At the lone home meet of the season, Julia Reedy brought a new meaning to “personal best” with her performance in the women's hammer throw.

Reedy headed into the invitational as the University of Oklahoma's record holder for the event, but she wanted more. With each of her four fair marks, she beat her previous school record, finally reaching a record best of 209-9.25.

Reedy's performance set the tone for the first two events of the meet for the Sooner throwers. Sarah Tolson finished with a mark of 185-9 for third and Jess Woodard's 182-11.50 placed fourth.

“Overall, the throwers had a great day. Julia stood out because she's been ready to throw this far for a couple of weeks now. She finally got over the hump,” said Brian Bluetrich, assistant coach for throwers. “It's our first and only home meet so it's nice to not have to travel all day. You sleep in your own bed and are in your own ring on your own track. That's a big positive for the competition.”

Julia stood out because she's been ready to throw this far for a couple of weeks now. She finally got over the hump.Brian Blutreich, assistant coach, throws

The momentum continued in the men's hammer competition with Sooner thrower Charles Nguyen finishing second with a mark 201-9.50, a personal best. Austin Perry also earned a personal best with a 188-2.25 throw to finish sixth, enough to add three points to the team score.

The Sooners finished the first day of the collegiate portion of the invitational with the women in first place with 21 points. The OU men have 11 points and trail first-day leader, Wichita State, by nine points.

“I think tomorrow we're expecting some really good performances,” Blutreich said. “They're ready to do it – they've just got to do it. I'm very excited and the kids are excited as well to be at home.”

There is a whole lot of throwing, jumping and running to do tomorrow for the Sooners with field events opening Saturday's schedule at 10 a.m. Running events are scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. Schedule adjustments may be made to avoid inclement weather. Updates will be posted on SoonerSports.com. Live results are available throughout the day at cfpitiming.com and a complete recap will be posted on SoonerSports.com at the end of competition.