Burnett, Hudec Lead Butler At Oliver Nikoloff Invitational

CINCINNATI, OHIO - Butler's track and field squad battled the weather and a solid field and turned in a successful showing at the Oliver Nikoloff Invitational, hosted by the University of Cincinnati on Friday and Saturday (March 28-29).

Competing on a cold and damp day in Cincinnati, the Bulldogs still managed a couple of individual wins and a handful of top-five finishes.

"I am really proud of how we competed today under adverse weather conditions," said Butler head coach Matt Roe. "Our group focused on what was under their control. They were tough and positive. That approach will serve us well moving forward."

Senior Shelbi Burnett and freshman Colleen Weatherford led the way with strong run in the women's 3000 meter steeplechase. Burnett won the event in 11:01.29, while Weatherford came in third in 11:09.04. Junior Nicole Hudec posted Butler's other, capturing the triple jump with a leap of 10.93 meters.

Senior Andrew Wallace clocked 50.38 in the 400 meter dash for a third place finish, and Butler's women's 4x100 meter relay team took third as well, with a time of 49.60.

In the hurdles, juniors Kiley Shelley and Amy Wright each captured a fifth place finish. Shelley clocked 16.91 in the 100 meter hurdles and Wright finished with a time of 1:11.44 in the 400 meter hurdles. Senior Dominique Stephens also joined the top-five crew, with a fifth place finish in the discus throw (42.61 meters).

Butler will be at the Stanford Invitational and the Miami (Ohio) Invitational next weekend, April 4-5.