SAN DIEGO, Calif. –- Azusa Pacific men’s and women’s track & field teams returned to Point Loma Nazarene for their second consecutive meet in as many weeks at the Sea Lions’ track & field complex. Cougar athletes recorded over 60 season-best marks, including a handful who reached NAIA automatic qualifying marks.

The return of NAIA record-holder Vivian Chukwuemeka,who did not compete during the indoor season and just last week won the silver-medal in the shot put at the Commonwealth Games, highlighted the Cougars’ efforts for the day. Chukwuemeka won the hammer (178’ 2”), discus (158’ 6”) and shot (59’ 1¼”), all with NAIA qualifying marks. Teammate and fellow senior Barbara Sugar was right behind Chukwuemeka in the discus with a season-best throw of 157’ 10.” In fact, the Cougars took the top 4 finishes in the discus with Ruth Wilhelm finishing third with a season-best throw (141’ 5”) and Megan Ilertsen coming in fourth (140’ 5”).

The Cougars’ showcase in throws led Azusa Pacific to the women’s team victory. The Cougars scored 380 points in 8-team competition, narrowly edging meet host Point Loma Nazarene (378) and UC San Diego (334.5).

Sophomore Melissa Leo won the pole vault with a personal record of 11’ 6”, the fifth best vault in Cougar history.

Other Cougar women event winners included: Lorraine Swaby in the 400 hurdles (1:02.27) and Capree Bell in the 100 hurdles (15.01)

On the men’s side, Matt Parish and Tony Ramirez went 1-2 in the 400 meters, clicking off excellent early-season times of 47.53 and 47.76, respectively. Parish’s effort makes him the sixth fastest quarter-miler in Azusa Pacific history.

Older brother Tim Ramirez won the 3000 meters (8:38.1h), while sophomore Jordan Burnette won the 110-meter hurdles with a personal-record 15.38. All-American Matt Sparks won the 400 hurdles (55.43), and James Ferguson captured the shot (51’ 5 ½”), qualifying for the NAIA championships in the process.

The Cougar men finished second with 393 points. Williams College won the men’s competition with 418 points.