UCI Women, Long Beach Men End Up Second Best

Second best was good enough for the UC Irvine women’s team and Long Beach State men’s squad. Both finished behind host Utah State at the Big West Conference track and field meet Saturday in Logan, Utah.

The Anteaters, in fifth place with 10 points after the first day’s events, took second place by compiling 131 points to Utah State’s 243.5.

The Anteaters’ move up started with senior Toby Dean, who won the 100 meters in 11.78 seconds, the second-fastest time in school history. Holiday Molway was the school’s first double winner in three years, winning the 800 (2:13.33) and the 1,500 (4:48.05). Skye Green broke the school record in the 100 hurdles and placed third.

For their accomplishments, Coach Vince O’Boyle was named women’s coach of the year.

On the men’s side, Long Beach State also made up ground, scoring 149 points to the Aggies’ 235.

The 49ers won eight events Saturday. Sophomore Brandon Thomas won the 100 (10.53) and placed second in the 200 behind teammate Jacob Glickman (21.06), who was second in the 100.

Freshman Lewis Young ran away with the 400 title in 47.79 and placed third in the 200 to complete a 49er sweep in the event.

Big West notes:

Other top local performers included: Kristy Kierulff (Long Beach), who won the high jump 5-11 1/2 (meet record, 11th in nation this season); Tanja Brix (Irvine), who won the 5,000 in 18:11.96; Glen Busch (Utah State/Orange High), who was second in the 3,000 steeplechase (9:42.61); Kirran Moss (Long Beach), who was second in the shotput and hammer, and third in the discus; Le’Gretta Hinds (Long Beach), who was second in the 100 hurdles and third in the 400 hurdles, and Sabrina Caplas (UC Santa Barbara/Foothill High), who finished in second in the 800 (2:13.68).