HPU Track and Field Finishes First Day at Raleigh Relays

HPU Women Finish First Day at Raleigh Relays
(Men’s results below)

Raleigh, N.C.—The High Point University women’s track and field team finished the first day of the Raleigh Relays Friday (March 24) in Raleigh, N.C.

In the high jump, senior Erika Bridges finished tied for 10th with a season-best height of 1.55m (5-1). Bridges also ran a 15.77 in the 100m hurdles, while junior CeAnna Soper posted a season-best 15.83.

In her first outdoor collegiate 5,000 meters, freshman Zoe Geis recorded a time of 18:04.33.

“Zoe engaged well this morning in the 5K,” Esposito said. “It was a good experience for her, now we have to continue to get stronger so she can finish the job.”

Senior Natalia Ocasio placed 20th in the 3,000m steeplechase in 10:55.03.

Junior Makenzi Holmes-DiGiovine finished 20th in the discus throw with a mark of 42.58m (139-8).

“Makenzi is struggling in the discus right now, it’s kind of like when your golf swing goes away,” Esposito said. “I have great confidence in both her and Coach (Scott) Hall that we will get this corrected and much better results will come.

“Now we have to regroup, keep grinding away and get ready for our home meet.”

The Raleigh Relays conclude Saturday.

Men’s Sprint Medley Relay Breaks HPU Record in Raleigh

Raleigh, N.C.—The High Point University men’s track and field team concluded the first day of the Raleigh Relays Friday (March 24) in Raleigh, N.C.

The sprint medley relay of juniors Sean Banda and James House and freshmen Pablo Romero Gonzalez and Jake Dunn placed third in a school-record time of 3:29.79.

“I thought our men’s sprint medley relay really competed well,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said.

Sophomore Britton Mann improved on each throw and placed 12th in the discus with a mark of 44.67m (146-6). Mann also competed in the shot put, with a best attempt of 13.37m (43-10.5).

“Britton had a good series in the discus, just missed making finals,” Esposito said.

In the 100 meters, House and Banda posted season-best times in 10.91 and 11.00, respectively. Romero Gonzalez ran a 15.25 in the 110m hurdles.

Senior Paddy Grandinali ran a 30:26.93 in the 10,000 meters while senior Vinny Todaro recorded a time of 3:54.09 in his first 1,500 meters of the season.

“Out two senior distance athletes, Paddy and Vinny, did not respond as I know they are capable of in perfect conditions,” Esposito said. “I have to do a better job to put them in a position to be successful, and I believe that these two can end this year on a high note.”

The Raleigh Relays conclude Saturday.