HPU Track and Field Finishes Regular Season at Liberty Twilight

*** Both men’s and women’s recaps included ***

HPU Women Finish Big South Preparation at Liberty Twilight

LYNCHBURG, Va. — The High Point University women’s track and field team finished regular-season action Wednesday (May 2) at the Liberty Twilight at the Matthes-Hopkins Track in Lynchburg, Va.

Next up, the Panthers will host the Big South Championships at Vert Stadium May 9-11.

Freshman Famke Heinst won the 800 meters in a big PR of 2:09.33, while sophomore Charis Dinger was 13th in 2:23.83.

In the pole vault, freshman Nathalie Elliott placed second and was the top collegian after clearing a height of 3.97m (13-0.25). Freshman Jessica Keys had a PR of 3.52m (11-6.5) to place sixth, while sophomore Rachel Berndsen was eighth after clearing 3.37m (11-0.75) and sophomore Haley Doyle placed 11th with a height of 2.77m (9-1).

Senior Makenzi Holmes-DiGiovine finished third in the discus with a mark of 50.31m (165-1). She also placed fifth in the hammer with a throw of 47.29m (155-2).

Sophomore Ariel Wilbekin placed third in the triple jump with a leap of 11.38m (37-4).

In the 110m hurdles, freshman Madison Reynolds placed fourth in 14.92, while sophomore Anika Weisbrod was fifth in 15.45.

Fellow senior CeAnna Soper was fifth in the shot put with a mark of 11.25m (36-11).

Junior Emmy Geis placed fifth in the 400m hurdles in a time of 1:05.69, while freshman Franzi Jakobs finished sixth in 1:07.44.

In the high jump, junior Charlotte Morrow placed in a tie for eighth at a height of 1.46m (4-9.5).

The 4x400m relay of Geis, sophomore Rachel Berndsen, Soper and Weisbrod finished third in 51.13.

“Our highlight on the women’s side was Famke, who’s a talent and ready to roll and do some special things in the championship portion of the season,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “In the pole vault, Nathalie was solid and Jessica Keys had a PR in an event that is going to be huge for us at the conference meet. Makenzi had a great series in the discus and is primed for a big performance next week. We’re excited to host the Big South Championships at Vert Stadium.”


Panther Men Finish Regular Season Action at Liberty Twilight

LYNCHBURG, Va. — The High Point University men’s track and field team finished regular season action Wednesday (May 2) at the Liberty Twilight at the Matthes-Hopkins Track in Lynchburg, Va.

Next up, the Panthers will host the Big South Championships at Vert Stadium May 9-11.

Freshman Gabriel Stainback placed second in the 110m hurdles in a time of 15.03, while sophomore Pablo Romero was sixth in 15.55. Romero also cleared a height of 1.82m (5-11.5) in the high jump to place seventh.

In the 800 meters, freshman Siro Pina Cardona was the runner up in a time of 1:51.70. Fellow freshman Anthony Sasso was 11th in 1:58.00, while sophomore Jake Dunn placed 13th (1:59.55) and freshman Brendan McCabe was 15th (2:02.19).

Senior James House placed fourth in a tie for fourth in the 200 meters in 21.47 and also finished 10th in the 100 meters in 10.67.

In the shot put, junior Britton Mann placed third in the hammer with a heave of 44.93m (147-5), fourth in the shot put with a throw of 14.34m (47-0.75) and ninth in the discus with a mark of 39.19m (128-7).

Freshman Hocine Bouchrak crossed the line fifth in the 1,500m invitational in 3:48.15, while senior Alejandro Juan Torres was right behind in sixth in 3:49.45.

Sophomore Carter Clasper placed seventh in the pole vault invitational after clearing a height of 4.92m (16-1.75), while sophomore Jordan McClung placed 12th with a height of 4.62m (15-1.75). In the open pole vault, fellow sophomore Zane Griffith finished fourth after clearing 4.47m (14-8).

In the open 1,500 meters, sophomore TJ Morales placed eighth in 4:19.88.

The 4x400m relay of House, freshman Levi Williams, sophomore Sam Thomas and junior Brad Kanney placed fourth in 42.39.

“We had some really encouraging results today,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “James House is coming around at a really crucial time for us. Our multi’s hurdled really well today and our vaulters were very solid and close to some PRs. Siro had a good PR and got a taste of what’s to come in a very hot 800 at the conference meet. Overall, it was a productive day and we’re excited to be hosting the Big South Championships next week at Vert Stadium.”