High Point Track and Field Concludes Action at ETSU Invitational

HPU Women Finish Action at ETSU Invitational
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The High Point University women’s track and field team finished action at the ETSU Invitational Saturday (Jan. 13), highlighted by a win in the 3,000 meters by freshman Famke Heinst.

Freshman Famke Heinst opened up her indoor career with a win in the 3,000 meters in 9:45.25, over 16 seconds ahead of second place. Fellow freshman Caroline Baudinet placed third in 10:24.92. Junior Keaton Case was 11th in 10:51.77, while sophomore Charis Dinger won her heat and placed 14th overall in 11:08.45.

In the pole vault, freshman Nathalie Elliott was the top collegiate finisher, placing third overall after clearing a height of 3.75m (12-3.5). Sophomore Rachel Berndsen matched her PR at 3.45m (11-3.75) to place seventh. Junior Heather Keck was eighth on misses after clearing the same height as Berndsen. Freshman Jessica Keys was 10th with a height of 3.35m (10-11.75), while fellow freshman Danielle Cass cleared 3.15m (10-4) to place 16th.

Senior Makenzi Holmes-DiGiovine placed 13th in the shot put with a throw of 11.99m (39-4).

“Today was much better after a disappointing day one where we failed to bring enough energy to the meet,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “Charis Dinger set the tone early this morning, winning her heat and then Famke (Heinst) did exactly what Coach (Remy) Tamer asked her to, control the race early then win it. We were very pleased with Caroline (Baudinet) in her first 3K ever and our pole vaulters were very solid.

“This is a great sign for the season opener. There is a lot of work ahead, but we have the kids to be successful.”

Up next, the Panthers compete at the Wake Forest Invitational at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, N.C., Jan. 20-21.

High Point Men Conclude ETSU Invitational Action
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The High Point University men’s track and field team finished up the first indoor meet of the season Saturday (Jan. 13) at the ETSU Invitational.

In the 3,000 meters, freshman Hocine Bouchark won in a time of 8:28.66 in his indoor debut. Junior Alejandro Juan Torres finished 10th in 8:47.76, while freshman Siro Pina Cardona was 14th in 8:50.02. Junior Patrick Van Der Cruyssen placed 17th in 8:54.37.

The distance medley relay team of Van Der Cruyssen, sophomore Sam Thomas, Pina Cardona and Bouchark placed second in a time of 10:18.22.

Freshman Gabriel Stainback placed fourth in the long jump with a mark of 6.82m (22-4.5).

The 4x400m relay team of sophomore Pablo Romero, Stainback, junior Brad Kanney and senior James House placed 10th in 3:26.85.

“Gabriel shook off the first-meet jitters from Friday and jumped very well today,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “Hocine (Bouchark) won in his collegiate debut with a personal best in the 3,000 meters and then came back and ran a very strong anchor leg to lead our DMR to second place. Both Siro (Pina Cardona) and Patrick (Van Der Cruyssen) had encouraging 3K’s this morning and came back and ran competitive legs in the DMR.”

Up next, the Panthers compete at the Wake Forest Invitational at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, N.C., Jan. 20-21.