(MONCTON, NB) Jennifer Bell re-wrote a chapter of the UNB Reds and New Brunswick’s track and field record books on Saturday.

Competing in the Moncton Open, Bell won the women’s shot put with a put of 14.46 metres, smashing her old meet record of 12.61 metres.

Bell’s put also established a new UNB and provincial record for women’s indoor shot put.

“I’m just working hard, working to get back to where I was this summer,” said Bell. “I was really building in the summer. Each meet, I was hitting a new personal best, so I’m just trying to get back into that flow and keep building going into AUS.”

“Jenn is an outstanding athlete,” said Chris Belof, head coach of the Reds track and field team. “She’s currently ranked second in the country for women's shot put, and will be a strong contender to medal at the U SPORTS Championships.”

“She’s worked very hard with her coach, Earl Church, in developing her abilities and is now reaping the benefits of that hard work.”

Bell is a two-sport athlete. Along with her work with the Reds track and field team, she’s a member of UNB’s women’s hockey team.

In fact, a day after setting the new shot put records, Bell was contributing an assist in UNB’s 3-2 win at Mount Allison.

“We're very excited to have Jenn as part of our team,” said Belof. “Her contribution will be critical at the conference and national level."

Bell, competing in her fifth and final year of U SPORTS eligibility, has come to UNB following four years at Mount Allison University.

The Miramichi native credits UNB’s facilities for her increased production.

“Our workouts every week, with Ken Morrison, in the Sport Centre Atlantic facility, the facilities are amazing here, and I’m on the ice so much with hockey, that really helps too, with the power and everything else,” she said.

Bell’s victory and records were part of a good day for the UNB team.

UNB’s Marie-Pier Cloutier won the women’s 60 metre sprint.

Victoria LeBlanc won the women’s long jump, with a leap of 5.35 metres. LeBlanc beat her UNB teammates Sydney MacDonald and Anne Deweyert, who finished second and third respectively.

Lexi Shannon won the women’s triple jump, covering 11.60 metres. Shannon is the second ranked women’s triple jumper in U SPORTS.
“It was a good opener for our power and speed athletes,” said Belof. “It was a great opportunity to make sure we’re prepared for the coming weeks. Our women's team is looking to be top two at the AUS Championships, in February."

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: U de Moncton Athletics