It was a great way to say goodbye

The Penn State women's indoor track team placed second in field of 10 at this weekend's U.S. Coaches Association Collegiate Invitational.

The finish was great for all, but was made more memorable because it was the last time the seniors would compete in their home facility.

"The seniors were just tremendous," coach Beth Alford-Sullivan said. "For the two years I have been here, they have been great. The represented us really well."

They also performed well. Senior captain and sprinter Laila Brock placed second out of 27 participants in the 200-meter dash. Her time of 54.92 seconds was just under the NCAA provisional qualifying mark of 54.7 seconds.

Fellow senior captain Jessica Kern also had a good meet. Kern, who is known for competing in the pentathlon, competed and did well in the 60-meter hurdles, triple jump, shot put and 800-meter run.

Another senior who had a great meet was Toyin Augustus. Augustus shattered her own school record in the 60-meter hurdles and improved her provisional time in the 60-meter dash.

Augustus was beaming with joy after her performance and jumped up to hug her men's hurdling counterpart Guy Rose. The combination of her great finishes and the fact that it was her last indoor meet at home were what caused her emotions.

"It was one of those times when everything just comes together," Augustus said while wearing both a smile and a few tears. "I'm going to nationals and it's a great way to end my last indoor meet at PSU."

Seniors are expected to be leaders and this group has been just that.

Freshman Connie Moore, who also had some success this weekend, said that Augustus has had a profound effect on her as a runner.

"She was a big reason why I came to Penn State," Moore said. "She was my hostess when I came here to visit. To know I have her pushing me is great."

The seniors are a major reason why the track program is dramatically improving. They have helped with their talent and their ability to bring the team together.

"We stepped up, got jobs done and made ourselves a team," Alford-Sullivan said to the women. "This program is up and going."

Brock thanked everyone after the meet for making her last one at home such a successful and special one.

"On behalf of the seniors, thank you for making our last meet at home great," Brock said.

The meet ended with plenty of hugs and pictures. It also ended with the team exactly where the seniors wanted it to be, on top.