LEXINGTON, Va.- Carson-Newman track and field left the first day of the VMI Winter Classic with spots on the podium and fast preliminary times.
"It was a really good first day," head track and field coach David Needs said. "There were so many different people to be proud of today. We had some frustration from a few injuries, but I'm happy with how the team performed, and we are heading into the second day of this meet in a good spot".
The men's distant medley relay team grabbed a first-place finish during the opening day of the VMI Winter Classic. Raymond Brugmans, Garrett Wilson, Taylor Dupler, and Colton Lee completed the race in 10:20.18 and now hold the 24th fastest time in the event in NCAA DII.
"For the DMR team to win, it's just really exciting," Needs said. "It's difficult to leave in the morning, get on the bus, and then show up ready to compete. That group was able to do that and to execute really well today".
Another standout performance for the Eagles' distance runners came from Katie Smock. Smock finished the women's 5,000-meter run in second place with a time of 18:12.64.
"I was proud to see Katie make a mark today and be one of the top two finishers in her event," Needs said. "She is continually working hard and improving".
Peyton Couch placed fifth in the event with a new personal record (18:45.20), and teammate Imke Van Gog ran a season-best 18:46.14 for sixth in the event. In the men's 5,000, Will Kolb (16:50.95), Tyler Jones (17:04.65), and Andrew Thompson (17:31.51) placed sixth through eighth respectively.
"You can see that our kids, like our distance runners today, have a lot grit and determination," Needs said. "Watching how hard they work is awesome, and the results today are a testament to their character and willigness to dig deep".
In the women's 60-meter dash prelims, Sade De Sousa finished first with a 7.58-second national qualifying time. Janaya Davis-Gainer came in 11th in the preliminary event in 7.84 seconds. During the men's 60 dash prelims, Amine Kasmi grabbed second in 6.89 seconds. Kasmi earned a new personal best and national qualifying time with his performance. Dawson Jones landed in sixth with a time of 6.94 seconds. The men's 60 dash finals are set to begin tomorrow, Feb. 10 at 11:15 a.m. with the women's event following directly after.
"Sade had a great start today," Needs said. "She's running well, and we are hoping to see her continue to run fast tomorrow".
Freshman Jeremiah Carroll competed in the men's 60-meter hurdles prelims where he finished in third in 8.43 seconds. Carroll earned a provisional mark in the event and will head to the semifinals tomorrow, Feb. 10 at 11:05 a.m.
During the men's long jump, Verrol Sam snagged silver with a 6.97-meter leap. On the women's side of competition, Kadidja Sangare placed second with a 5.95-meter performance. Savannah Goodwin finished fourth in the event with a new personal record of 5.81 meters, and Brooke Taylor placed seventh with a 5.55-meter jump.
The second day of the VMI Winter Classic will begin tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. The Eagles will also compete at the Joe LaRocco Invitational tomorrow in Salem, Va. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
"Now we are watching to see who can bring this energy from day one to day two," Needs said. "It's much easier during day one because on that second day you are sore, and your mind is telling you that you are tired. As a coaching staff, we want to see who can continue to push and maintain that consistency as we move forward this weekend".
Carson-Newman track and field will be back in action tomorrow, Feb. 10 at the VMI Winter Classic and Joe LaRocco Invitational. Live stats for both events can be found HERE. Stay up to date on cneagles.com.
