By Meredith Herman, Sports Information Assistant
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Berry College track & field teams opened their spring season on Sunday, competing at the Emory Indoor Invitational at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
Competing against many strong programs including a trio Southern Athletic Association (SAA) schools, Berry's women's team finished 17th out of 24 while the men placed 13th out of 20. No SAA-rival finished ahead of the Viking women and only Rhodes placed better than the men.
Genesis Leggett, the reigning SAA Women's Field Athlete of the Year, was the top scorer on either team after putting up 14 combined points in her throwing events. She placed third in the Weight Throw and was the runner-up in Shot Put.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The distance women were led by senior Alainna Chretien, running a 5:20.34 in the mile run, with sophomores Meredith Herman and Abby Carroll not far behind with 5:26.50 and 5:27.26.
- Genesis Leggett broke her previous school records in both Weight Throw (15.35m) and shot put (12.82m), finishing top 5 in both.
- Jed Woodward set a new indoor personal best with a 13.20m toss, taking 4th in the Shot Put
- CJ Stone broke his previous school record in the 60m with a 7.18.
- The pole vaulters were led by freshman Tucker Smith with a collegiate personal record. He placed 3rd with 4.40m.
- Quincy Watford finished top 10 in the high jump, jumping a 1.90m
WHAT THEY SAID:
"I was very pleased with they way we competed today. Given the challenging weather and illness bug we've experienced since being back from break, along with a heavy training load for January, it was kind of expected. The effort was definitely there. Genesis in the throws and the milers on the women's side were a big plus. On the men's side, I thought the vaulters had a solid outing, vaulting at their PR's. This meet sets us up well for a busy indoor schedule in February." – Head Coach Luke Syverson
UP NEXT:
The Vikings will compete at the ETSU Buccaneer Track and Field Invitational on February 2-3.
