Jenkins hammers the competition in opening event

Southeast Missouri State University junior Heather Jenkins' bid for a Gatorade Classic three-peat got off to an impressive start Friday.

Competing in the only event on the opening day of Southeast's 23rd annual track and field meet, Jenkins won the hammer throw with a distance of 171 feet, 4 inches that exceeded her previous personal best by about 10 feet.

"It felt easy," Jenkins said. "When it feels easy, I guess it really goes."

Jenkins, a Central High School graduate who won the hammer, shot put and discus at last year's Gatorade Classic, set an Abe Stuber Complex record Friday and also shattered the previous school record that she already owned.

"I'm really happy with it," Jenkins said. "I'm still new to the hammer. I only started last year and I only threw it twice then, so I'm still a little uneasy with it."

Jenkins needed just about every foot of her personal best to beat a strong field. Runner-up Venisha Williams of Southern Illinois had a distance of 169-3 and third-place finisher Jamie Nurnberger of Murray State went 168-9.

"There was some really good competition and I think that helped me," Jenkins said.

Jenkins will compete in the shot put and discus today as the meet concludes. Field events begin at 11 a.m.

"I'm off to a good start and hopefully I'll also do well tomorrow," Jenkins said.

In the men's hammer throw, Southeast's Daniel Jones was sixth (161-1). Robb Pfrank of Western Illinois won with 189-11.