Jenkins sets conference record; Otahkians in front at OVC meet

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Led by a record-setting performance from Heather Jenkins, the Southeast Missouri State women got off to a solid start as the Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships began on the campus of Samford University.

Jenkins, a junior from Central High School, set an OVC outdoor record in the shot put with a throw of 51 feet. She won her third straight title and ninth OVC crown overall. Jenkins, who also set a school mark, will shoot for her third consecutive discus crown today.

The Otahkians, after Friday's six events, are in first place as they attempt to defend their title. Southeast has 60 points. Eastern Illinois is second with 52.

On the men's side, Southeast senior Jay Heddell won the shot put (56-8 3/4) for his ninth OVC title.

The Indians are in second place with 50 points. Seven-time defending champion Eastern Illinois leads with 108 points.

Heddell will go for his fourth straight discus crown today.

Southeast freshman Kia White placed second in the women's long jump.

Other top-three finishers for the Otahkians: sophomore Megan Rosenkoetter, second in the javelin; senior Megan Youse, third in the shot put; and senior Kaci Pilcher, third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Lindsey Meyr, a junior from Jackson, was fifth in both the long jump and javelin.

Placing in the top three for Southeast's men: sophomore Andrew Lambert from Sikeston, second in the long jump, 23-2; and junior Daniel Jones, third in the shot put, 50-4 3/4. Jones was also sixth in the javelin.

Shawn Statler, a senior from Perryville, was fourth in the long jump.