WEEKEND ROUNDUP: Throwers shine at Ken Shannon Invite; Vaulters rule at Spokane Memorial...

Here’s a recap of what happened around the state on the final weekend of the collegiate track and field season before the start of championship season:

KEN SHANNON INVITATIONAL

The throws took center stage at the Ken Shannon Invitational, the University of Washington’s final home meet of the 2019 season.

Western Washington alum Bethany Drake (above/photo by Paul Merca) won the women’s javelin with a toss of 158-0 (48.15m), while the Huskies’ Katherine Taylor scored a personal best 150-11 (45.99m) to take second.

In the women’s discus, Ginny Mehl of the Huskies beat UW redshirt Makayla Kelby 170-2 (51.86m) to 169-3 (51.58m).

The Huskies’ Connor Jost scored a huge personal best in winning the men’s hammer at 194-3 (59.21m).

National high school pole vault record holder Chloe Cunliffe of West Seattle HS made a guest appearance, winning her event with a clearance of 13-9.75 (4.21m).

The Huskies’ Katie Rainsberger won the women’s 1500 in a time of 4:20.82, to turn back teammate Anna Maxwell’s 4:24.80, with Seattle Pacific’s Kate Lilly third in 4:28.99.

In the best men’s race of the day, Washington volunteer coach Sam Prakel won the 800 in 1:50.11 over the Huskies’ Connor Morello’s 1:50.80.

Gonzaga’s Mason Villarma was second in the men’s 1500 as he ran 3:49.27 to the Huskies’ Issac Green, who won in 3:48.19.

Washington’s recap and results are available here.

SPOKANE MEMORIAL

In Spokane, Eastern Washington’s Larry Still tuned up for a run at the Big Sky Championships next week with a victory in the men’s pole vault Saturday at the Spokane Memorial meet hosted by Spokane Community College.

Still cleared 16-9.25 (5.11m) to easily win the competition. He then took three decent shots at a personal best 17-7 (5.36m).

The Eagles’ Samantha Raines cleared 13 feet for the first time outdoors this season in winning the women’s pole vault at 13-1.75 (4.01m), while teammate Madison Doepker won the hammer with a mark of 190-5 (58.03m).

On Friday night, Gonzaga’s Brandon Pollard won the mens’ mile in a time of 4:07.71.

Complete results of the Spokane Memorial are available here.

NOTE:  The sports information offices of the University of Washington and Spokane CC contributed to this report.