Although the men's and women's indoor track and field teams faced unfavorable weather conditions at the Big Blue Classic, Marquette athletes still had good performances overall.

"We were getting a little frustrated just in that we were looking for some good weather," said head coach Dave Uhrich. "And for the third meet in a row we didn't get it. This time of year it's kind of hit and miss, and we have been unlucky."

The Big Blue Classic took place in Charleston, Ill., on Friday and Saturday amidst cold and windy weather.

"I was proud of my athletes in that I still think they competed very well," Uhrich said. "And that's the most important thing. The weather certainly affected times and distances, particularly in running events, but a lot of athletes placed high and did well."

Despite the harsh weather forecast, many Marquette athletes secured first-place finishes. Senior Allison Sauer won the 10,000-meter run with a time of 38:10.51.

"She ran really well," Uhrich said. "The 10,000-meter run probably had the worst weather of the whole meet, and that race had a lot of laps. Alli was out there on her own battling the weather, so it was exciting for her to come out with a victory."

Senior Theresa Emond secured fist place in the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 11:09.40.

Marquette also raked in 15 points in the women's 800m. Junior Michaela Courtney placed first with a time of 2:13.97. Sophomore Cassie Peller came in second at 2:14.93, followed closely by junior Kristina Malin at 2:15.31.

"It was neat running with my teammates because it gave me a different kind of support," Peller said. "It felt as though I was running with someone instead of against someone."

On the men's side, sophomore Ray Bratchett won the high jump at 2.00 meters.

"The weather prohibited anything like a regional or national qualifying mark, so it was more of just good performances on Saturday," Uhrich said.

Marquette will compete in the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational and the Mt. SAC Relays next weekend in California.