SBTC’s Hope Bender represented the USA for the first time to cap off a stellar 2019; places 9th overall with 5,449pts;
Bernhausen, Germany (September 15, 2019) – Recent UC-Santa Barbara alum and the latest Santa Barbara Track Club (SBTC) member, Hope Bender, represented Team USA for the first time at the historic Thorpe Cup over the weekend. Capping off an incredible 2019 season, Bender finished 9th overall in the two-day, seven-event competition, with 5,449pts as one of the youngest competitors in the field to help the USA women overcome a strong Germany squad 28,419pts to 28,245pts.
Leveraging her strongest events, Bender would win her 100m Hurdles heat in 13.95 (985pts) and also run a 24.51 (932pts) to put up good points for Team USA. She was Team USAs fifth scorer to help put them ahead. The annual competition which pits USA multi-event powerhouses USA vs. Germany in an annual competition scores the top five from each country.
About the Santa Barbara Track Club
The Santa Barbara Track Club (SBTC) hosted at Westmont College aims to provide a pathway to the podium for athletes of all ages and abilities. The SBTC is comprised of Olympic and aspiring Olympic Track & Field athletes, a Youth Track Club as well as community members seeking to reach their highest potential through group and private training.