Jan. 22, 2016
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Georgia Tech track & field team continued its 2016 season on Friday with the first day of competition at the Conference Clash. The meet is held at the Birmingham CrossPlex and is hosted by Auburn and Tennessee. It has a unique scoring system in which the Southeastern Conference competes against schools from the other Power 5 conferences.
The night was highlighted by freshman Bria Matthews, who set a venue record with a triple jump of 13.33 meters. The mark is also currently the best in the NCAA this season.
Matthews was also impressive last week in Nashville, where she finished fourth in the long jump.
“It was an outstanding first day of competition for the women with numerous personal bests, but the highlight was unquestionably Bria Matthews in the triple jump,” head women’s coach Alan Drosky said. “A freshman, going against some very accomplished jumpers, comes out not only with the win and a new personal best, but a CrossPlex facility record. We’re proud of Bria, and we would also like to congratulate her event coach, Nat Page.”
Matthews’ performance earned five points for the women’s Power 4 team, which leads the SEC by a score of 28-24 after the first day. The Jackets also contributed a point when Anna Hightower finished ninth in the pole vault with a vault of 11-10.00.
The men’s team was led by Spencer Allen, who finished eighth in the preliminaries of the 60m hurdles and advanced to tomorrow’s final with a time of 7.92. The Power 4 men currently trail the SEC by a score of 28-21.
“We had a very good start to the meet this evening,” head men’s coach Grover Hinsdale said of his team. “We had four guys compete, and all four performed personal bests — Preston Smith in the triple jump, Zach Gunnz in the 60m, and Spencer Allen and Andreas Ward in the 60m high hurdles, with Allen making the final. I am pleased with the way we competed tonight and look forward to tomorrow.”
Action will continue in the morning with the pole vault beginning at 12 p.m. ET.
Top Georgia Tech Finishers by Event:
Women
60m Dash: Jamilah Middlebrooks – 35th, 7.67
200m Dash: Jamilah Middlebrooks – 39th, 25.06
5000m Run: Rebecca Entrekin – 18th, 18:52.45
60m Hurdles: Kenya Collins – 17th, 8.47
Pole Vault: Anna Hightower – 9th, 11-10.00
Triple Jump: Bria Matthews: 1st, 13.33m, 43-09.00
Men
60m Dash: Zachary Gunnz – 11th, 6.87
200m Dash: Zachary Gunnz – 30th, 22.08
60m Hurdles: Spencer Allen – 8th, 7.92
Triple Jump: Preston Smith – 5th, 14.58, 47-10.00
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