Troy University Athletics
Track and Field Closes Fall with Inter-Squad Scrimmage
12/9/2013 2:19:00 PM | Track & Field, Track & Field (M), Track & Field (W)
TROY, Ala. – The Troy University track and field team wrapped up the fall training season with an inter-squad scrimmage last week. Several newcomers performed well while the returners demonstrated how hard they worked in the offseason, showing several improved marks.
"This is the eighth season for our end of the year, fall semester inter-squad," director of track and field and cross country Jill Lancaster said. "There is nothing better than competition to bring out the best in these athletes. It is an event which produces a great team effort. Regardless of the Cardinal or White team, our Troy Trojans were winners today. The performances were definitely impressive and we look forward to officially starting the season in 2014."
An impressive group of newcomers showed off their skills in the throwing disciplines, winning six of the eight events. Freshman Corina Cox had a standout day, winning both the discus and the shot put. Sophomore Zach Douglas also picked up a pair of wins in the discus and the shot put.
Demetris Elia ran away with the hammer throw, winning by more than 20 meters. Newcomer Ali Taylor won on the women's side in impressive fashion as well. The javelin saw a great competition on the women's side, as Riley Schwietz edged out Mariah Pennington by less than one meter for the win. Hayes Grissom took home the win on the men's side.
"The team looked really good for this time of the year," said assistant coach Shawn Williams. "Our returners are where they should be and our newcomers have been progressing awesome. I am excited to see what happens once we return from break and indoor season begins."
Julia Ostendorf showed that she is in good form heading into the indoor season, winning both the mile and the 1000-meter runs. Freshman Mikayla Hodges, fresh off a trip to the NCAA Cross Country South Region Championship, finished in second in both events. Madison Estes was victorious in both events on the men's side.
Ostendorf picked up another win in the 1500-meter steeplechase, while freshman Sean Kent won the men's event. Marsel Mosley and Shakiel Parker each won in the 600-meter run.
"I was proud of my group today," distance coach Jeff Jenkins said. "Everyone really worked and sacrificed for team points in every event they competed in. We usually don't see PRs in the inter-squad meet because of its unusual timing and the nature of the meet, but we saw several today. It looks like most of the athletes have kept up their training over the break and I am very proud that they're taking the instructions to heart."
The pole vault had two extremely competitive competitions. Three women cleared 6'6", with Hayley Watts winning on jump attempts. Douglas Dyer won on the men's side, clearing 10 feet.
Erin Woods picked up a pair of wins in the long jump and the triple jump. On the men's side, Sam Johnson won the long jump and Myles Charley won the triple jump. Delonte Martistee and Madison Cooper each won in the high jump.
The sprint and hurdle events were extremely competitive. Ben Martin and Adria Hill won their respective 60-meter races, while Jordan Landburg and Dallas Worthy won the 300-meters. Thaddeus Curtis won both the 60-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles on the men's side. Lacey Marcus took home the victory in the 60-meter hurdles, while Bree Handy won in the 300-meter hurdles.
"Intraquad was great because it was my first time seeing everyone compete," said first-year staff assistant Geren Woodbridge. "It brought out the competitive nature in the athletes, which doesn't always occur during a typical practice. In the end, no matter who walked away with the trophy, our entire team got better today."
Fans can keep up with all the action by following Troy track and field/cross country on Twitter at @TroyTrojanXC_TF .
For more information on all of Troy Athletics, fans can find the Trojans on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyAthletics, or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.
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