Beckford Wins Shot Put on Day One of SEC Heptathlon

AUBURN, Ala. – Senior Arkansas Lady Razorbacks Peter-Gaye Beckford and Etienne Chaplin have completed day one of competition in the SEC Championship heptathlon at Auburn University.

"Obviously, we are very happy with Peter-Gaye (Beckford) and her personal bests in the shot put and the 200 meters," head coach Lance Harter said. "Those events are good, strong indicators that she is going to be ready to go tomorrow. She has a great second day."

Beckford and Chaplin sit at eighth and 14th, respectively after four events. Beckford has totaled 2,879 points while Chaplin earned 2,492 points.

"Unfortunately for Etienne (Chaplin), she’s still a little bit rusty after trying to regroup while recovering from knee surgery. She warmed up well in the high jump and started at her normal starting height. She was out after three misses, it’s unfortunate. We’ll nurse her through the best we can, make the best of it and turn it into a learning experience."

The duo started out the day with the 100-meter hurdles. Chaplin earned a seventh-place finish and 947 points with a time of 14.22 (3.6 wind). Her clocking is the third best of her career. Beckford collected 642 points and a 14th-place finish with a time of 16.60 (3.6 wind).

In the high jump, Chaplin’s score took a blow when she failed to clear the opening height. Beckford finished 10th with a clearance of 4-6.75, good for 502 points.

The shot put was the highlight event of the day for the Lady’Backs as Beckford and Chaplin went 1-2. Beckford’s winning toss of 45-6.25 was good for 785 points. Chaplin marked a throw of 39-5 to earn 662 points. Beckford’s throw was a personal best and Chaplin’s was the second best of her career.

In the final event of the night, Beckford took third in the 200 meters with a personal-best time of 24.32. She earned 950 points for her effort. Chaplin finished sixth with a time of 25.04, good for 883 points.

The SEC Championships, at Auburn University, will resume Friday, May 16 at 2 p.m. with Michelle Rossio in the hammer throw and the conclusion of the heptathlon at 3 p.m. For complete results and details of the 2008 SEC Championships, visit www.ladybacks.com.

Download: day1_hep_spreadsheet.pdf