April 21, 2004
Des Moines, IA – Hawkeye junior Tiff Pedersen is currently in first place in the heptathlon after day one of the 95th annual Drake Relays. Pedersen racked up 3,006 points in the first four events and has a three point lead going into the final events on Thursday.
Pedersen started off in the 100-meter hurdles and finished in 14.61. Next up was the high jump where she placed fourth with a mark of 5-1 3/4 (1.57 m). Pedersen’s mark of 36-0 3/4 (10.99 m) in the shot put was good enough for a fifth place finish. She then finished the first day of the heptathlon with a 200 meter time of 25.77.
“I’m a little surprised actually,” said Pedersen. “This year everything seems to be going well for me. I’m not the best in any one event, just consistent so I think that helps.”
Pedersen and teammate Angie Hensel will compete in the long jump, triple jump 800 meters in Thursday’s heptathlon finals. Hensel currently sits in 14th place with 2,508 points.