March 6, 2008
Johnson City, Tennesse-Junior Ben Brummit (Unionville, MO) kicked off the action Thursday afternoon for the Jackets at the NAIA Indoor National Meet. Competing in the heptathalon, Brummit finished four of the seven events Thursday including the 60 meter dash, the long jump, shotput and the high jump. Brummit didn't start the day off very well, but he finished very strong in one of his better events (the high jump) clearing 1.95 meters (good for third in the event) and standing in 10th place with 2572 total points at days end. He looks to make a strong push tomorrow as the top six are granted with all-american honors. Brummit finished fourth in last years National Indoor Meet.
"Day one was a tale of two Ben's. Having awakened with a sore hamstring, it was questionable whether he was even going to be able to finish the first event," Coach Allshouse said Thursday night. "Although Ben was able to complete the first event I was a little disappointed that he allowed his below than expected performance to get to him mentally which then hindered him in his second and third events of the day. That being said, I couldn't have been more proud as I watched Ben knowing he was in pain, put his previous performances behind, and finish third in the high jump; gaining hundreds of points on the competition and finishing the day up four spots and in contention for day two," Coach Allshouse concluded.
All national qualifiers compete tomorrow as Brummit starts the day off at 10:00 am eastern time resuming the heptathalon, freshman Cinnamon Jenkins runs in the 60 meter dash prelims at 1:00 pm and senior Elisha Plaine competes in the long jump at 2:45. Stay in tuned to the Graceland athletic website for up-to-date information on their progress.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact: Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director (641) 784-5318 mshelton@graceland.edu
