Charleston, W.Va. – The University of Charleston Track and Field teams opened their indoor season with strong performances across two meets this weekend. The distance squad competed Friday at the Grand Valley State Holiday Open, while the remainder of the roster made their season debut Saturday at the Marshall Holiday Open. Both groups showed early season promise as several Golden Eagles earned top finishes and recorded competitive marks to begin the campaign.
Grand Valley State Holiday Open – Distance Squad Results
The distance group traveled to Allendale, Michigan for the Grand Valley State Holiday Open, using peak fitness from the cross country season to secure strong early season marks.
Men's 5000 Meters
Hugo Hewitt led the Golden Eagles with a tenth place finish in Heat One, running 14:30.68.
Thomas Crockett also competed in the event and crossed the line in 14:54.56.
Women's 5000 Meters
Amanda Ferrante ran 18:48.19 in her season opener.
Bethany Wallis followed closely in 18:54.
Ava Lightfritz finished just behind her teammate with a time of 19:02.
Marshall Holiday Open – Track and Field Debut
The full track and field squad opened competition Saturday at the Marshall Holiday Open, collecting strong results in the first meet of the indoor season.
Running Events
Women's Mile
Alaina McClain led Charleston with a time of 6:00.00.
Men's Mile
Josh Messina was the top finisher for the Golden Eagles, running 4:23.90.
Women's 300 Meters
Colette Datti placed second with a time of 40.30.
Men's 300 Meters
Brady Prior earned the event win in 34.46, followed by teammate Eric Krueter in second place at 34.72.
Women's 60 Meter Hurdles
Minke Engelbrecht was the top UC finisher with a time of 8.99.
Men's 60 Meters
Zachary Parsons led UC sprinters with a time of 7.02.
Women's 3000 Meters
Abbey Bolton won the event in 10:30.
Sara Campana secured second place with a time of 10:43.
Men's 4 x 400 Relay
The quartet of Millar McElrea, Brandon Salgado, Brady Prior, and Eric Krueter won the meet in 3:18.
Women's 4 x 400 Relay
The team of Erica Davis, Dasheya Booker, Mccann Coles, and Colette Patti placed third in 4:09.
Field Events
Women's Weight Throw
Abby McKinney placed third with a mark of 16.43 meters.
Men's Weight Throw
Luke Messinger earned second place with a throw of 17.43 meters.
Women's Long Jump
Adrienne Truman finished third with a mark of 1.58 meters.
Men's Pole Vault
Luke Davis placed third, clearing 3.45 meters.
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles make their return to the track Jan 17th for the Mondo Track Invitational!
