Both competitors competed in the 4 x 880-yard relay, but Veidis was the one standing on top of the podium with her teammates. She ran the third leg of the relay in a time of 2:10.97, the fastest time of the 32 competitors, including Barowski. The race ultimately clinched the title for Harvard, with the Sparta, N.J., native contributing 18 points for the Crimson.
With the indoor season behind her, Veidis hopes to return to full health in preparation for the outdoor season and the future.
“I want to be able to race for the win regardless of how the race plays out,” Veidis said. “I want to get really strong this outdoor [season].... Hopefully, that will bode well for next year, because I hope to continue running.”
The seniors weren’t the only ones with outstanding performances. Sophomore Nikki Okwelogu continued to stake her claim as the best shot putter in Ivy League history, winning the event with an Ancient Eight-record 17.12 meter throw.
The mark was the first throw over 17 meters in conference history and placed the Fresno, Calif., native at ninth in the nation, putting her in prime position to contend at NCAA nationals later in the season. The sophomore was awarded the Field Athlete of the Meet award.
Okwelogu has had a season to remember, placing as the highest collegiate competitor in all six competitions she has partaken in this season while rewriting the Ivy record books three weeks in a row.
The sophomore is confident that she can improve even further on what she’s accomplished.
“I’ve been having really good practices, really consistent,” Okwelogu said. “If I can hold it, keep my health and routine up, there’s no reason I can’t do it again.”
With Heps now behind them, the Harvard athletes now turn to the IC4A Championships, NCAA Nationals, and the outdoor season, hoping to leave their mark on those competitions as well. However, there is little doubt that the special performances of these individuals made the competition a memorable one for the Crimson.
—Staff writer Julio Fierro can be reached at julio.fierro@thecrimson.com.