HPU Track & Field Finishes Action on First Day of VT Challenge

BLACKSBURG, Va.—The High Point University men’s track and field team finished action on the first day of the Virginia Tech Challenge Friday evening (Feb. 17) at Rector Field House in Blacksburg, Va.

In the pole vault, freshman Carter Clasper cleared a height of 4.60m (15-1) to place fourth and move up into third in the Big South this season. Fellow freshman Jordan McClung also cleared a season-best height, finishing in sixth at a height of 4.45m (14-7.25), good enough for fifth in the Big South.

Senior Patrick Irwin set a personal best in the long jump with a mark of 6.26m (20-6.5). Irwin also recorded a big PR in the 60m hurdles, clocking a time of 9.18.

The distance medley relay of senior Vinny Torado, sophomore Patrick Van Der Cruyssen, sophomore Alejandro Juan Torres and senior Paddy Grandinali won in a time of 10:07.21, which ranks second in the Big South this year.

Torres placed third in the 800 meters in 1:57.17, while Torado was sixth in 1:58.53.

The action continues Saturday with field events set to start at 11 a.m. and track events scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

HPU Women Finish First Day of Virginia Tech Challenge

BLACKSBURG, Va.—The High Point University women’s track and field team finished action on the first day of the Virginia Tech Challenge Friday evening (Feb. 17) at Rector Field House in Blacksburg, Va.

In the pole vault, senior Madison Depner and freshman Rachel Berndsen both cleared 3.20m (10-6) to finish fourth and fifth, respectively. The height is a season-best mark for Berndsen.

Sophomore Makenzi Holmes-Digiovine placed sixth in the weight throw with a season-best mark of 15.43m (50-7.5), while senior Jamie Schnuck was seventh with a throw of 15.34m (50-4).

Senior Erika Bridges ran a personal-best time in the 60m hurdles in 9.40.

The action continues Saturday with field events set to start at 11 a.m. and track events scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.