Southeast Missouri State track and field team wins six events at Haines Invitational

Jill Schnurbusch has accomplished so much during her record-setting Southeast Missouri State track and field career.

But one thing that had eluded the standout pole-vaulter and Notre Dame Regional High School graduate was a first-place performance in the Redhawks' annual outdoor home meet.

Cross that one off Schnurbusch's wish list after the senior captured the pole vault Saturday during the 32nd annual Joey Haines Invitational at the Abe Stuber Complex.

"It's my favorite meet of the year," Schnurbusch said after her season-best height of 12 feet, 11 1/2 inches. "I was so excited."

The bubbly, high-energy Schnurbusch seems to be excited any time she competes, especially when it's at home. The Redhawks don't get that opportunity very often, which is why she was especially enthused Saturday.

Southeast Missouri State’s Blake Smith competes in the long jump during the Joey Haines Invitational Saturday at the Abe Stuber Track Complex. (ADAM VOGLER)

"My family was here, it's my last home meet. ... it's just fun to be at home, to sleep in your own bed," Schnurbusch said. "The weather is nice. ... it was the perfect day to be out at the track."

Southeast athletes got to experience the warmest day of the early spring, with temperatures approaching 70. The only downside was extremely strong wind -- but not even that affected Schnurbusch.

"The wind was at our backs," said a smiling Schnurbusch about the pole-vaulters. "Some of the sprinters might not have been happy, but it was fine for us."

Schnurbusch holds Southeast's outdoor and indoor school records in the pole vault, having broken her own mark several times over the past few years.

Not bad for somebody who didn't even begin her college career at Southeast. She originally attended Murray State after graduating from Notre Dame in 2009 but didn't stay there long before deciding to return to Cape Girardeau.

"She called me up one day and said she wanted to come back home. I'm glad she did," Southeast coach Eric Crumpecker said. "She's had quite a career. She keeps getting better all the time."

Southeast Missouri State University's Courtney Gapelu competes in the shot put during the Joey Haines Invitational Saturday, April 6, at the Abe Stuber Track Complex. (ADAM VOGLER)

Schnurbusch, not surprisingly, hasn't regretted her decision.

"It's been so much fun," she said.

The victory by Schnurbusch was one of six winning performances for Southeast -- five on the women's side -- in the competition that featured only a handful of schools but some strong programs. No team scores were kept.

Northern Iowa and SIU Carbondale from the Missouri Valley Conference, who both did not participate in the meet last year, strengthened the field considerably. SIU Edwardsville and Saint Louis University also fielded full squads while Arkansas State and several other programs sent athletes.

"It was a lot tougher meet than last year, some very good competition," Crumpecker said. "I was pleased. I thought we had some really good performances."

Southeast Missouri State’s Courtney Gapelu prepares to throw the shot put during the Joey Haines Invitational. Gapelu finished second with a throw of 49 feet, 5 1/2 inches.

Southeast athletes, who have set several school records this year, reached another one Saturday as senior Jerika Lewis broke her own mark in the 200 meters with a winning time of 23.91 seconds.

"It was good, especially on your own track," Lewis said. "My senior year, I've just got to go out good."

Lewis also set a personal best of 11.84 seconds in the 100 as she also won that event and ran a strong anchor leg for Southeast's 1,600 relay squad that finished second.

"Jerika had a really good day," Crumpecker said.

So did sophomore Rebekah Lawson, who celebrated her 20th birthday by winning the 5,000 in 18:36.99. Earlier this year she broke the school's indoor record for that event.

"It's nice to be at home with my teammates. They're so awesome," Lawson said. "My mom's here ... it's nice being able to spend my birthday with my best friend."

Sophomore Reggie Miller Jr. had a big day, winning the high jump (6-8) and placing second in the triple jump (50-2 1/2) as he went over 50 feet for the first time in his career. Earlier this year he broke the school's indoor high jump record.

Southeast Missouri State University's Courtney Gapelu competes in the shot put during the Joey Haines Invitational Saturday, April 6, at the Abe Stuber Track Complex. (ADAM VOGLER)

"Reggie had a huge day. He finally cracked 50 feet in the triple jump. I know he was wanting to do that," Crumpecker said.

Southeast's other winner was freshman Maria Trowbridge, who captured the 3,000 steeplechase (11:49.71) during her first time to compete in the event.

"It was exciting," Trowbridge said about winning at home. "It was really neat to see everybody from school come out and support us."

Courtney Gapelu was second in the shot put, fourth in the javelin and sixth in the discus.

Also finishing second for Southeast's women was Gloria Westlake in the 3,000 steeplechase.

Blake Carter had a pair of runner-up finishes, in the long jump and 100.

Other second-place performances for Southeast's men were by Kevin Farley (shot put), Christian Locke (pole vault), Kameron Long (800), Alex Zisser (1,500) and Brent Collins (3,000 steeplechase),

Saint Louis University senior Logan Davis, a Notre Dame graduate, was fourth in the 3,000 steeplechase.