Track and Field: HPU’s Case Breaks VertKlasse Meeting 1,500m Record

(Mens’s Results Below)
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Sophomore Keaton Case won the 1,500 meters in meet-record fashion as the High Point University women’s track and field team finished action on the first day of the ninth-annual VertKlasse Meeting Friday (March 31) at Vert Stadium.

Case won the 1,500 meters in a time of 4:31.99, defeating Virginia Tech’s Mikayla Richardson by 0.77. Both Case and Richardson’s time (4:32.76) were under the previous meet record of 4:32.82, set by Lauren Lemiux in 2009. Senior Cozette Collin placed fifth in 4:35.77.

“Keaton’s race in the 1,500 meters was our highlight of the day and she is really coming into her own in the event,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said.

Freshman Zoe Geis, competing in her first collegiate 3,000m steeplechase, placed fourth in 11.14.40.

Senior Amanda Gregory placed seventh in the long jump with a leap of 5.48m (17-11.75), while freshman Ariel Wilbekin was right behind with a mark of 5.42m (17-9.5).

In the ‘B’ section of the pole vault, freshman Rachel Berndsen cleared a height of 3.40m (11-1.75) to finish sixth, while her classmate Heather Keck was ninth, clearing the bar at 3.25m (10-8).

In the javelin, junior Mackenzie Vermette was 10th with a throw of 35.60m (116-9).

“A lot goes into putting on a meet of this magnitude and we ask a lot of our student-athletes,” Esposito said. “Even with some difficult conditions today, we had a few bright spots, but tomorrow’s conditions should be ideal for us to put forth some great performances.”

The VertKlasse Meeting concludes Saturday (April 1). Both field and participation track events begin at 9 a.m. with the main track portion scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m.

Panther Men Finish First Day of VertKlasse Meeting
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University men’s track and field team finished the first day of the ninth-annual VertKlasse Meeting Friday (March 31) at Vert Stadium.

“A lot goes into putting on a meet of this magnitude and we ask a lot of our student-athletes,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “Even with some difficult conditions today, we had a few bright spots, but tomorrow’s conditions should be ideal for us to put forth some great performances.”

In the javelin, senior Drew Francoeur placed second with a throw of 59.84m (196-4).

Senior Paddy Grandinali won the second section and finished third overall in the 5,000 meters with a time of 15:21.76. Senior Chernet Sisay was 10th in 15:39.50.

In the Bob Davidson 1,500 meters, sophomore Alejandro Juan Torres was sixth in 3:54.25, while Grandinali was seventh in 3:58.73.

Freshman TJ Morales finished 14th in his first 3,000m steeplechase in 10:08.10. High Point alum and two-time Olympian Taylor Milne (’05), running unattached, won the event in 9:18.65. Milne will be honored tomorrow with the Bob Davidson award for contributions to the sport of track and field.

In the ‘B’ section of the high jump, senior Pat Irwin finished fourth, clearing a height of 1.94m (6-4.25). In the ‘B’ section of the pole vault, freshman Jordan McClung cleared a height of 4.17 (13-8.25) to place sixth.

The VertKlasse Meeting concludes Saturday (April 1). Both field and participation track events begin at 9 a.m. with the main track portion scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m.