Senior Emily Richards sets all-time Div. III record in 800-meter run at Grand Valley State (Mich.) Big Meet

By Caleb Scott

ALLENDALE, Mich. — A week after posting the third fastest time in the 800-meter run in Div. III history, Ohio Northern senior Emily Richards (Delaware/Hayes) posted another historical feat as she broke the all-time Div. III record in the event at the Grand Valley State (Mich.) Big Meet on Friday evening.

Richards broke the previous record set in 2013 by Wis.-Oshkosh's Christy Cazzola by nearly half a second. The senior also broke her own school record for the second consecutive week after finishing in a record 2:05.28.

Emily finished first of 50 athletes in the Div. I-dominated field and was over five seconds faster than the next fastest competitor.

Richards extended her gap in the event among Div. III athletes and now has the fastest time in the country in the event by more than five seconds.

"Emily looked a lot better this week," said head coach Jason Maus. "She was very aggressive out of the gate and just controlled the race from the start. Getting the all-time Div. III record was her goal and it was great to see her accomplish that tonight. It's nice to see her bounce back from last week and have an even better day."

The Polar Bears return to the track tomorrow afternoon as they travel to Westerville to compete in the All-Ohio Championships at the Clements Recreation and Fitness Center.