Cyclones to compete in Des Moines at Jim Duncan Invite
ISU sophomore Chris Celona competes in the men’s weight throw during the Big 12 Indoor Championships at the Lied Rec Center Feb. 26. Celona placed eighth with a best throw of 17.37 meters.
April 13, 2016
For Chris Celona, a sophomore transfer from Pittsburgh, not only is this weekend’s matchup at Drake University his first time being at the facility, but it is also his first outdoor meet as a Cyclone.
The cyclones will compete at the Jim Duncan Invitational this weekend and face some local competition while getting a feel for Drake Stadium. The ISU track and field team has spent the entire outdoor season competing all around the country, and will get a chance to stay close to Ames.
Celona hasn’t competed since the Big 12 championship, where he had a personal best throw and finished in 8th place overall. With the transition of indoor season to outdoor, Celona will throw the hammer this weekend instead of the weight.
”I’m looking forward to opening up,” Celona said. “I’m excited, a little anxious too.”
Derek Jones, who ran a collegiate best in the 400-meter hurdles at the San Francisco State Distance Carnival with a time of 51.85, will make his first appearance at the Jim Duncan Invitational. Jones will run the 400-meter hurdles and the 400-meter dash.
“I’m excited to have a preview for the Drake Relays,” Jones said. “It will be nice to get a feel for the track.”
With the meet being in Des Moines, Jones’ family will be in attendance to give him some extra support. This weekend will also be the first time that Jones runs the 400-meter dash outdoors in his collegiate career. With the Drake Relays being just around the corner, Jones is excited to be competing at the stadium.
“Drake does a really good job putting on a meet,” Jones said. “It’s a fun environment to be in.”
Elijah Young will run the 110-meter dash this weekend after taking first place at the San Francisco State distance Carnival. After making his outdoor debut at the Sun Angel Track Classic last weekend, Jan Jeuschede had a best throw of 60-3. The three-time All-American will compete in the discus this weekend alongside fellow Cyclone Nace Plesko.
Action at the Jim Duncan Invitational is set to begin on Friday and start up again on Saturday morning.
