BROOKINGS, S.D. – Jillian Sanchez broke her own school record in the women's weight throw with a 16.09 heave at the NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championships on Friday afternoon.
"That's huge to come to the National Championship for the first time, break the school record and get over 16 meters," throws coach Alan Cress said. "That was huge. That took a lot of hard work to do that. It's not lost on me how hard that is to do. I'm so proud of her."
Sanchez came into the weekend ranked 25th in the women's weight throw. She moved up six spots to finish 19th.
"She had a good meet," Cress said. "She had just three good throws. She got the record with a big second throw."
Cress said that Sanchez was ecstatic when she realized what her mark was. He's excited to see how far her work ethic will take the sophomore in the next two years.
"She accomplished what she wanted to this weekend," Cress said. "We wanted to get 16 meters and break the school record. She got what she came here to do. She's very excited for the future. She knows what she needs to do for next year to get up there with the top women in this event. She's already formulating a plan."
Sanchez will compete for the Argos in the outdoor track and field season, which will begin Mar. 21 at the Laurel Invite in Laurel, Montana.
