HPU Track and Field Has Successful Day at VMI Team Challenge

HPU Women’s Tack & Field’s Elliott Breaks Pole Vault School Record at VMI Team Challenge
Men’s Results Below

LEXINGTON, Va. — The High Point University women’s track and field team finished action at the VMI Team Challenge, highlighted by a school record by freshman Nathalie Elliott, Saturday (Jan. 27) at the Corps Physical Training Facility in Lexington, Va.

“We had a lot of PRs today, including Nathalie winning with a school record and conference-leading mark,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “It was good to have Kanajzae Brown back, healthy and competing. Famke (Heinst) won the mile with a top-ten all-time HPU performance. CeAnna Soper and Anikea Weisbrod each had solid days, which bodes well for their upcoming pentathlons.”

Elliott broke the HPU and facility record in the pole vault clearing a height of 3.90m (12-9.5). Sophomore Rachel Berndsen placed third with a height of 3.45m (11-3.75), while freshman Jessica Keys was fifth at a height of 3.30m (10-10).

In the mile, freshman Famke Heinst won by over 14 seconds in a time of 4:53.96. Sophomore Charis Dinger placed eighth in 5:46.86.

Sophomore Zoe Geis was the runner-up in the 3,000 meters in 10:19.37, while freshman Sydney Bagus was fourth in 10:39.31. Sophomores Kylie Hennessey and Courtney Kerr placed sixth (10:43.70) and seventh (10:43.74), respectively.

Senior Makenzi Holmes-DiGiovine finished fourth in the weight throw with a mark of 15.39m (50-6).

In the 60m hurdles, sophomore Anika Weisbrod and senior CeAnna Soper both qualified for the finals and finished fourth and fifth in 9.52 and 9.55, respectively.

Sophomore Kanazjae Brown qualified for the finals of the 60 meters and placed eighth in the final in 7.82.

“We haven’t been at full strength yet this season, so we look forward to getting everyone back to health and eventual competitive excellence,” Esposito said. “Big South Championships are quickly approaching and we have more preparation ahead of us.”

Up next, the Panthers travel to Lynchburg, Va., to take part in the Darius Dixon Memorial Feb. 2-3.


HPU Men Post Six Top-3 Finishes at VMI Team Challenge

LEXINGTON, Va.—The High Point University men’s track and field team had one event win and three second-place finishes at the VMI Team Challenge Saturday (Jan. 27) at the Corps Physical Training Facility in Lexington, Va.

“We had a successful day on the men’s side,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “Our pole vaulters are proving to be consistent performers and hopefully will continue their growth throughout the season. Alejandro (Juan Torres) looked great in the 3,000 meters and still has much to show. Siro (Pina Cardona) and Hocine (Bouchark) debuted in the 800 meters and showed promising performances. James House took a positive step forward in the sprints.”

Sophomore Carter Clasper won the pole vault, clearing a personal-best height of 4.80m (15-9), while fellow sophomore Jordan McClung was second with a height of 4.65m (15-3). Another sophomore, Zane Griffith, placed fifth at a height of 4.50m (14-9).

Junior Alejandro Juan Torres placed second in the 3,000 meters in 8:20.04.

In the mile, freshman Hocine Bouchark was the runner-up in a time of 4:13.02.

Freshman Siro Pina Cardona placed second in the 800 meters in a time of 1:54.99, while Bouchark was third in 1:55.04.

In the high jump, sophomore Pablo Romero cleared a height of 1.90m (6-2.75) for fourth place. Freshman Gabriel Stainback and sophomore John Singleton placed seventh and eighth on misses after they both cleared 1.85m (6-0.75).

Senior James House placed fifth in the 200 meters in 22.56 and seventh in the 60 meters in 7.10.

“We haven’t been at full strength yet this season, so we look forward to getting everyone back to health and eventual competitive excellence,” Esposito said. “Big South Championships are quickly approaching and we have more preparation ahead of us.”

Up next, the Panthers travel to Lynchburg, Va., to take part in the Darius Dixon Memorial Feb. 2-3.