Andersen elevates to No. 4 all-time American performer, with Richardsson achieving first back-to-back victories since 1994-95; Lomnicky wins men’s hammer for third time, with Pereira prevailing in 10,000

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Whether it was a historic hammer throw by Brooke Andersen or a distinguished double by Camilla Richardsson in the 10,000 meters, it was a memorable opening day on and off the track at the 61st Mt. SAC Relays.

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Andersen, a Northern Arizona graduate, produced the first meet record Thursday with a fifth-round throw of 246 feet, 3 inches (75.05m) at Mt. SAC, eclipsing the 2017 mark of 244-10 (74.62m) by Gwen Berry.

Andersen, who ranks second in the world this year behind Berry, elevated to the No. 4 performer in American history and 31st all-time in the world. Ole Miss graduate Janeah Stewart, who edged Andersen for the title at last year’s NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships, placed second at 234-2 (71.38m).

Richardsson, representing Finland, shined under the lights at El Camino College’s Murdock Stadium, clocking 33 minutes, 8.26 seconds to become the first female athlete to repeat in the invitational 10,000 since Mexico’s Olga Appell Avalos in 1994-95.

Richardsson competing in her first race since recovering from a broken foot, became only the third female athlete in meet history to secure back-to-back 10,000 titles, including Lynn Nelson in 1986-87.

Southern Utah’s Angie Nickerson placed second in a personal-best 33:12.87 to ascend to the No. 15 collegiate performer this season.

Slovakia’s Marcel Lomnicky, a Nike professional, secured a third men’s hammer throw title with a sixth-round effort of 253-1 (77.15m).

Lomnicky, who also won titles in 2014 and 2016, produced his best two throws ever at Mt. SAC Relays to secure the come-from-behind victory.

Georgia senior Denzel Comenentia had a personal-best 252 feet (76.80m) in the fifth round to place second, improving on his mark as the No. 10 all-time collegiate performer.

Brazil’s Ederson Pereira won the invitational men’s 10,000 in 28:32.69. BYU’s Clayson Shumway placed fourth in 28:36.07 to elevate to the No. 9 collegiate performer this season, giving the Cougars three athletes in the top 10.