Raschker, Bell lead record assault at USA Masters Indoor Champs

BOSTON - Two of the most recognizable names in track & field - Raschker and Bell - were among several athletes shattering records, and traditional barriers, Friday night at the 2007 USA Masters Track & Field Championships.

Debuting in championship competition in the women's 60-64 age group, Philippa "Phil" Raschker (Marietta, Ga.) got the meet off to a momentous start with two world records and four American records during pentathlon competition. Raschker's overall score of 4,844 points was a world and American record, as was her 60m hurdles time, run during the pentathlon, of 10.04. She also jumped 4.27m/14-0.25 in the long jump and 1.33m/4-4.25 in the high jump for American records. She ran 3:00.96 in the 800 to complete the pentathlon.

In the field, one of America's most renowned vaulting names broke a world record nearly every time he jumped. William Bell, the father of National Track & Field Hall of Famer Earl Bell, kept jaws dropping every time he upped the bar. In 16 jumps, he set an announced 10 world records. His final clearance at a world and American record height of 2.44m/8-0 featured technique and a "friendly bar" as the bar shook and stirred, but did not fall.

"This indoor meet was made for me," said Bell, referring to the fact that he turned 85 on April 19, just four days before the Championships. "This is my first real competition I've had since I was 82. I didn't think I'd jump this high, but my oldest son said I would."

Bell's youngest son, Earl, now coaches his father, was on hand for the competition and admitted he had "hoped for about 7-8." William Bell trains at Earl's facility in Jonesboro, Ark., three times a week, where other vaulters in training include American record holder Jeff Hartwig. When not working out, William Bell says he also serves as "part-time janitor."

The pentathlon was full of records as Gregory Foster (Lumberton, N.J.) broke the M45 world and American record with 4.962 points; Christel Donley (Colorado Springs, Colo.) broke the W70 AR with her score of 4,196 points; and Kevin Bosma of Portsmouth, N.H., broke the M35record with 3,535 points.

Also setting pending world and American records were 91-year-old Betty Jarvis (Aberdeen, N.C.) in the women's weight throw (5.45m/17-10.75) and Nadine O'Connor (Del Mar, Calif.) in the W65 pole vault with a clearance of 2.89m/9-5.75. Jodie Hawkins (Frisco, Texas) broke the listed AR in the W40 3,000m with her time of 9:58.88.

The 2007 USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships continue Saturday at Sunday at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center. For complete results, visit www.usatf.org