HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Despite the cold and windy conditions, three of Northwestern State's freshman athletes, including thrower Rechelle Bessard, managed to post new personal records as they competed in the Sam Houston State Twilight meet on Thursday at the York Track and Field Complex.
 
Thursday's meet was the final competition for the NSU squads before they travel to the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships next weekend.
 
Bessard had a phenomenal day in the discus, putting up a mark of 166-05 and besting her previous top mark of 153-02 by over 13 feet as she placed second in the event. Her new mark is No. 1 in the Southland and qualifies her for the NCAA East Regionals, ranking 21st.
 
“We knew Rechelle was capable of doing this but it was a little surprising because of the weather conditions,” said Lady Demon head coach Mike Heimerman. “I was very happy to see her improve by such a huge margin and I know she has the potential to put up even bigger throws.”
 
Porsha Thomas set a new personal best in the long jump, leaping for 18-08 and finishing second. Thomas had a top-three mark in the triple jump as well, placing third at 37-05.00.
 
Zhaquan Porter improved in the triple jump, registering a mark of 46-01.60 and placing third.
 
Janae Allen posted a season-best mark in the shot put, finishing third with a throw of 47-04.50.  The senior also finished third in the hammer throw (167-11) and fourth in the discus (153-06).
 
“Janae got hot in the shot put and was able to throw her best mark in the outdoor season,” said Heimerman. “She got a little out of sync in her other two events but overall I think it was a good day for her.”
 
Sophomore Jerrica Tillery and senior Kendal Taylor were the only first place finishers for NSU. Tillery won the triple jump with a leap of 39-05.75 while Taylor ran the fastest time in the 200m dash, crossing the finish line in 21.25. Tillery also placed third in the high jump, clearing a height of 5-03.
 
Javelin thrower Jessica Talley placed second in her event, throwing for 149-07.
 
Lionel Ellison (high jump, 6-04.75) and Cody Wager (javelin, 156-01) turned in second place performances for the Demon squad.
 
Third place finishers for the Lady Demons include senior Sarah Jones (long jump, 18-03.75), Keshira McKnight (200m, 25.49) and the women's 4x400 relay team of Madison Morton, Karensa Ellis, Shannon Moore and McKnight (4:07.51).
 
The SLC Outdoor Championships, hosted by McNeese State, will be held in Lake Charles next Friday, Saturday and Sunday.