In the women’s pentathlon, Day took over the lead in the second event of the day, the high jump, and never relented. In the 800m, Day recorded a personal best by nearly two seconds (2:11.89). Her score of 4,567 points was a personal best by 100 points.
Abbie Stechschulte and Bettie Wade battled for the runner-up spot and were only separated by two points overall. Wade ran the fastest time of the day in the 60m hurdles (8.39) and remained in second after the high jump. However, in the final event, Stechschulte delivered a near-best performance in the 800m to edge out Wade for the runner-up spot. Stechschulte finished with 4,373 points to Wade’s 4,371 points.
Kirby Lee SHARON DAY
ALBUQUERQUE TO HOST 2013, 2014 USA INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
After hosting the meet the previous three years, USA Track & Field and the city of Albuquerque have agreed in principal that the 2013 and 2014 editions of the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships will return to the Albuquerque Convention Center.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference preceding the 2012 Championships featuring USATF Interim Chief Executive Officer Mike McNees, Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO/President Dale Lockett.
DES MOINES SET TO HOST 2013 USA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
USA Track & Field announced its intent to host the 2013 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, on the campus of Drake University.
The USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships were previously held in Des Moines in 2010, where the five-day event produced two American records in women’s competition - Chaunte Lowe in the high jump and Kara Patterson in the javelin.
Des Moines is best known for hosting the annual Drake Relays for more than 100 years where a sell-out crowd and more than 8,000 participants gather for one of the greatest traditions in track and field. The city has recently hosted the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2008 and 2011 and is set to host the 2012 event. In 2004, the 14,467 seat facility at Drake underwent a $15 million renovation, including the creation of the Track Central USA Fan Zone.