The Lenoir-Rhyne University track and field team experienced a weekend of record-breaking performances and competitive showings, splitting its athletes between the Raleigh Relays in Raleigh, N.C., and the Davidson Relays in Davidson, N.C. The team’s efforts culminated in two recent school records and several personal bests, signaling a strong start to the outdoor season. The results from both meets are available for review on the Davidson Relays and Raleigh Relays websites.
Sharonda Priester led the charge for the Bears, shattering the school record in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 59.23. This performance not only establishes a new benchmark for Lenoir-Rhyne but also ranks her third in all of NCAA Division II as of this weekend, according to TFRRS (Track and Field Results Reporting System). Her time would have qualified her for eighth place at last year’s Division II national championship meet. Adding to the weekend’s success, freshman Saoirse McNulty broke the outdoor 3000m record, finishing in 10:35.75.
Men’s Team Sees Record Book Entries at Raleigh Relays
On the men’s side, the Raleigh Relays proved to be a stage for several Bears to etch their names into the program’s record books. Havyn Spain, who previously achieved a third-place finish in the 200m at the indoor national championships, opened his outdoor campaign with a time of 21.16 in the 200m, securing 12th place at the Raleigh Relays. Corey Baker and Malachi Carter both achieved personal bests in the 100m dash, clocking in at 10.60 and 10.61 seconds respectively, earning them spots in the Lenoir-Rhyne record books.
Davidson Relays Showcase Distance and Field Event Strength
While the sprinters and middle-distance runners competed in Raleigh, a contingent of Bears traveled to Davidson, where they excelled in distance events and field competitions. The Davidson Relays provided opportunities for athletes to refine their skills and build momentum for the remainder of the season. Specific results from the women’s 800m, 3000m, hammer throw, and javelin events, as well as the men’s shot position, discus, and hammer throw, contributed to a well-rounded weekend for the Lenoir-Rhyne program.
Raleigh Relays – Notable Performances
- Women: Competition included the 100 Meter Dash, 100 Meter Hurdles, 400 Meter Hurdles, 4×100 Relay, and Triple Jump.
- Men: Notable events featured the 100 Meter Dash, 200 Meter Dash, 110 Meter Hurdles, 400 Meter Hurdles, and 4×400 Meter Relay.
Davidson Relays – Notable Performances
- Women: Athletes competed in the 800 Meters, 3000 Meters, Hammer Throw, and Javelin.
- Men: Competition included the Shot Put, Discus, and Hammer Throw.
The success at both meets underscores the depth and versatility of the Lenoir-Rhyne track and field program. The team’s ability to perform at a high level across a range of events demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive training and athlete development. The coaching staff’s focus on both individual improvement and team success is clearly paying dividends.
Looking ahead, the Bears will travel to High Point, N.C., next week to participate in the VertKlasse Meeting. This event promises to be another challenging competition, providing the team with an opportunity to further test their abilities against a competitive field. Detailed information about the VertKlasse Meeting, including the schedule and participating teams, will be available on the event’s official website as the date approaches.
The Lenoir-Rhyne track and field team’s strong start to the outdoor season is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its athletes and coaches. With continued focus and determination, the Bears are poised for a successful campaign.
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