Sofia Cosculluela and Teko Cates began a busy four-day stretch for the University of Washington track and field team in Southern California, competing in the Mt. SAC Relays on Apr. 15.
The performances of both athletes mark a strong start for the Huskies at this major meet, with each leading all collegiate competitors in their respective multi-event competitions after the first day.
Cosculluela, who finished on the NCAA podium last season in the heptathlon, recorded her best opening day as a member of Washington’s team. She ran 13.48 seconds in the hurdles, just shy of her personal record from two weeks prior, followed by a season-best high jump clearance of 5-5. In subsequent events, she achieved personal records in both shot put (45-feet, 10.75-inches) and the 200 meters (23.84 seconds), with her time ranking sixth fastest in school history. After four events, she is fifth overall but leads all collegiate athletes with 3,637 points.
Cates, a redshirt freshman from Springdale, Washington, started his first collegiate decathlon by running the 100 meters in 10.78 seconds before posting marks of 23-11½ feet in long jump and 43-2½ feet in shot put. He tied for first place among all competitors with a high jump mark of 6-9¾ and finished his day with a time of 50.51 seconds in the 400 meters. At day’s end he stands third overall but is also leading among college athletes with a total score of 4,143 points.
Competition continues tomorrow at Mt. SAC Relays as well as at the Bryan Clay Invitational where other Huskies will compete in steeplechase and distance races.
