Complete RPI Meet Results

TROY, NY (March 27, 2010) – Prior to today's RPI Early Outdoor Invitational, neither sophomore runners Johanna Spangler or Elizabeth Forbes had ever competed in a 10k run as members of the Vassar College women's track team. At the conclusion of the race, both runners produced times that qualified them for the ECAC Championships. 

Running in a combined field with the men, Spangler was the 2nd women's finisher and 17th overall in the 6.2 mile race (37:40.29). Forbes was the 5h female finisher (39:08.56) and both will represent the Brewers in the prestigious ECAC event with phenomenal qualifying times so early into the spring season. Spangler barely missed the NCAA Championships qualifying time of 37:30 by ten seconds. 

“All I can say is that those were two very impressive performances for first time runners in this event,” said head coach James McCowan. “Considering that Elizabeth is just returning from illness and is just getting back to form, her effort is nothing short of phenomenal. “ 

McCowan was pleased with Vassar's strength in this event, pointing out the 10th place finish and 43:06.36 time turned in by senior Leslie Hamilton.

Running in cold and windy conditions and against a mix of Division I, II and III teams who are all coming off indoor track seasons, McCowan readily admits he could highlight his entire team in events across the spectrum of running and field events. 

In the Steeplechase, junior Brittany Davis smashed her personal best by twenty seconds with a 2nd place finish (12:08.36), just eight seconds off an ECAC Qualifying time, which McCowan believes “is just around the corner for Brittany.” 

Freshman Tiffany Marchell placed 8th in the 100 meter dash (14.41), was a member of the 4 x 100 meter relay team that set a school record and had an impressive performance in the long jump where she made the finals and finished 8th overall. 

Fellow freshman Laura Van Eerde set new school records in the javelin and discus throw, where she was second overall. Her javelin throw of 31.19 meters is equivalent to 102 feet. 

In the 5,000 meters, sophomore Samantha Creath ran a personal best in a 6th place finish (19:41.90) and led a brigade of four Vassar runners – freshman Kristine Olson, sophomore Melissa McClung and senior Nina Huang -- who all ran under 20 minutes. 

McCowan was also quick to acknowledge the yeoman work of sophomore Katy Hwang who was 5th in the 100 meter hurdles (17:51), and 5th in the 400 meter hurdles (1:12.19)