Story by Keenan Hall
Staff writer
khall16@murraystate.edu
Before entering the OVC Indoor Championships, freshman Ashlyn Oren made Murray State history by becoming the third Racer to be named the OVC Indoor Freshman Athlete of the Year.
Oren jumped to second in the conference in the high jump after reaching a 1.70m jump at the Samford Bulldog Open. That mark is set 10 spots above the next freshman in the OVC. She also posted 3237 points in the Don DeNoon Invitational Pentathlon the week before. That score is good for third best in the conference.
Oren has won events in the high jump as well as the long jump this season. She won the high jump at the Bulldog Open and the long jump with a distance of 5.45m at the John Craft Invitational at Eastern Illinois.
Oren also has achieved the ninth-best long jump in the OVC this season after springing to 5.53m. A native of Edgerton, Wisconsin, she currently holds the state record in the long jump with 5.85m.
Before coming to Murray State, the Racers’ track staff spotted Oren competing for Edgerton High School. Shortly after introducing themselves, Oren liked the staff and made the decision to become a Racer.
“Coach Riggins contacted me and came to my State track meet my junior year,” Oren said. “I liked the coaches and the campus on my visit and knew I wanted to go here.”
Head Coach Adam Kiesler noticed Oren getting better after the season began. Kiesler felt that she would contribute to the team sooner rather than later.
“She started this year off very well in December and she has gained momentum ever since,” Kiesler said. “When we signed Ashlyn we knew she would be a big part of the success of this program moving forward.”
The coaching staff believed Oren had a chance at the award, and when the announcement came that she won she was thrilled.
“The coaches and I talked about it being something I could win,” Oren said. “I was really excited when Coach K (Kiesler) and Coach Riggins called me and told me I won.”
While track is an individual sport, especially in jumping, Oren gives all the credit to her teammates.
“My teammates have all been really encouraging and supportive,” Oren said. “They have helped me gain confidence in all my events.”
Kiesler is eager to see the experience Oren has gained pay off in her first OVC Championship meet this week.
“We are very happy for her that she has been recognized for her hard work during the regular season, and we look forward to what she will do during the Championships,” Kiesler said.”
The Racers will conclude their season at the OVC Indoor Championship on Thursday, Jan. 21.