Maloney Snatches Big Sky Conference Silver And Bronze Medals

Dominique Maloney, left, collects her 200m silver medal at the 2013 Big Sky Conference Outdoor Championships. PHOTO: Ronnye Harrison

MAY 13—Portland State Vikings Sr. Dominique Maloney closed out her collegiate career by achieving another goal during the 2013 Big Sky Conference Championships on her home turf.

Maloney used a 200m personal best of 24.27 seconds to notch silver, after mining bronze in the 400m with another personal best of 54.44 on Saturday.

Her 400m time improves her own school record of 54.92 ran two weeks ago in Berkley, California. She won her heat in 54.93 to advance, then lowered her best from 24.45 to 24.31 in the 200m to make the final with a second place showing.

Maloney earned a complete set of medals, helping the 4x100m relay to victory in 45.33 seconds with a third leg carry that began her medal haul. Her 16.5 points, helped the Viking to a second placed finish—their highest ranking since hosting the championships in 2006.

“It feels great to accomplish the goals that I set because I came out with lifetime bests in both the 400 and 200 with only more room to improve in both,” Maloney said. “My 400m goal was 53.70 for the season, but I was truly extremely happy to be out off the 55s and on to new numbers.”

Maloney said after her 400m podium finish, it helped and motivated her to go into the 200 with a mind frame that she had to clip some wings. “This is my senior year that was my last race and Mother's day was coming up and my mom need a gift,” she said. “This season has been one the most historical season for me personally because I am at a place I never thought I would have been because of the many set backs that I have had in the past.”

With the bitter taste of not being a finalist last year, Maloney said she made several lifestyle changes including her diet and attitude towards certain things. She also focused on developing a positive mindset.

“That was one of the biggest problems for me and by doing so I put every thing aside and began trusting coach Ronnye Harrison workouts and his advice. I’ve grown to love dearly,” she explained. “I pushed myself over the summer, fall and winter break to get to this point so that I wouldn't be sitting in the stands like I was last year for the 400 and 200m finals. I am glad that I had the opportunity to have an outdoor season after my injury last year. I have endured many obstacles just to get to this point. If all goes well there is a slim chance that I might go to regional in the 400m.”

Britney Wattley 5th in ECAC 100m final

Morgan State Sr. Britney Wattley was fifth in Sunday’s ECAC 100m final in the competition jointly held with the IC4A Championships in Princeton, New Jersey. Wattley finished with a time of 11.93 seconds. She advanced to the semifinals after running 11.89 in the prelims. She qualified for the finals with a 12.00 time. She missed the cut in the 200m after running 24.53 seconds.