Orangeburg, SC—The SC State men's and women's track programs continues to make strides with each meet. Both teams had several high finishes and set personal best at last weekend's Hampton University Invitational held at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, VA.
Freshman Marcus Stephens was the top finisher on the men side with a second place finish in
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Fr., Marcus Stephens
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the triple jump. Stephens jumped 14.85 meters (48-8 ¾). Junior Levar Knight jumped a person best in the long jump with a mark of 7.23 meters (23-8 ¾) and freshman Darin Washington placed fourth in the 200 meters with a time of 22.57. Noel Facey and Jahwuan Blair finished third and fourth in the shot put with throws of 15.29 meters (50-2) and 14.85 meters (48-8 ¾) respectively.
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Jr., Jasmine Smith
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On the women side senior Jasmine Smith and freshman Shamire Rothmiller both finished first in their respective events. Smith placed first in the triple jump with an indoor personal best of 12.03 meters (40-1 ½). Rothmiller won the shot put with a personal best throw of 14.50 meters (47-7). Freshman Brittney Stewart and sophomore Brandi Jefferson also had good showings for the Lady Bulldogs. Stewart finished fourth in both the 3000 meters and 5000 meters. She recorded times of 11:04.68 and 18:53.91 respectively. Jefferson finished third in the pentathlon with a total of 2,754 points.
Overall, second year head coach Tyree. E. Price was impressed with the showing that his teams displayed. “I am very pleased with all of our athletes, and our field event athletes are doing extremely well,” said Price. “We have constantly expressed the importance of strength in the program, and the strength training and the athlete's mental focus are direct contributors to their success.”
With just a couple of weeks remaining before the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Championships, Coach Price is looking for more good things from his athletes. “We are looking for improvements every meet and more personal records from all of our athletes,” said Price.
Both teams will be in action this weekend, Friday-Saturday, Jan. 30-31, at the Niswonger Invitational hosted by East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN.
