Kylene Kownurko Wins SEC Steeplechase 5/11/02

Senior Kylene Kownurko broke her own school SEC steeplechase record Saturday afternoon with a time of 10:34.21 and grabbed her an SEC title in the process.

Kownurko came into the SEC outdoor meet seeded fourth and hoped to improve on her 5th place finish one year ago. Kylene was more excited than normal because the host institution, Mississippi State, has a women's water barrier as opposed to the more difficult men's version. In previous competitions, the water barrier would prove to be her biggest challenge in the steeplechase. This year, Kylene would learn that the water barrier would be her friendliest ally.

"I just reminded her we need points, points, and points" said head track coach Lori Shepard as Kownurko prepared to begin the race.

Kylene took that advice and hung around with the lead pack and remained in first, second, third, or fourth the entire race. But, with only two laps to go and feeling very good, Kownurko decided she was in this race to win.

Since the four competitors around her were all milers, Kylene knew they would have a tremendous kick. Therefore, Kylene began to kick very early. As Kownurko approached the water barrier, she thought only of extending her lead.

And she did. After clearing the water barrier, Kownurko would distance herself from the pack. After holding off a valiant effort at the line from Arkansas' Shiloh Whiting, Kylene Kownurko crossed the finish line four seconds ahead and became the most recent Vanderbilt Southeastern Conference Champion.

In other Vanderbilt action, Josie Hahn scored in two events and looks forward to action on Sunday. Vanderbilt will be competing in four events on Sunday including the shot, pole vault, 5000 meters, and the 4x400.

Vanderbilt is looking to improve on last year's finish and currently stands in 9th place heading into Sunday's action.