Track & Field ACCtion: Saturday, January 12 :: Several records and NCAA qualifying marks set on first weekend of indoor competition.

Jan. 14, 2008

Hokie Women's 4x200m Relay Sets New Collegiate Record at Virginia Tech Invitational

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Tech's 4x200-meter women's relay established a new collegiate record with a time of 1:36.43 Saturday, highlighted the Hokie track & field team's performance in the final day of the Virginia Tech Invitational at Rector Field House. In addition to setting a new collegiate record, the Hokies established a new school record in the 1,000-meter dash, had two NCAA provisional qualifying performances in the shot put and pole vault and won three events against a deep field featuring athletes from more than 20 schools.

The 4x200-meter relay of Patrice Potts, Britni Spruill, Kristi Castlin, and Queen Harrison completed the race in 1:36.43 to break the previous collegiate record of 1:36.5, which was established by Tennessee State in 1979. This is the first season in which the Hokies have ever competed in the event, so the time also stands as a school and facility record.

Tech continued to achieve success in the relays, with the 4x400-meter relay of Asia Washington, Spruill, Potts and Harrison earning another first-place finish with a 3:44.34 effort.

Clemson Women and Georgia Tech Compete at Kentucky Invitational

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Polly Hardy posted an NCAA provisional qualifying mark in the 60m hurdles Saturday and led Clemson's women's track & field team at the Kentucky Invitational. The meet, held at Nutter Field House, took place Friday as well but Clemson did not compete until Saturday's action.

Hardy posted a season-best tie of 8.41 in the high hurdle prelims, just two tenths shy of a personal best in the event. She went on to finish fifth in the finals of the event. Krystal Barringer was sixth with a time of 8.65.

Barringer had the best time in the 60m dash among Clemson's entries. She had a time of 7.85 and just missed qualifying for the finals. Linda Buchholz (8.58), a multi-event athlete, also competed in the 60m dash Saturday. The 4x400m relay team was 13th overall on Saturday after posting a time of 4:06.11.

Kristine Scott had a time of 25.52 in the 200m dash and was 13th overall. One spot behind with a time of 25.56 was Hardy. Christina Mason was the best finisher in the 400m dash for Clemson, as the freshman turned out a time of 58.20 and was 14th-best overall.

Tar Heels Open 2008 Season With Strong Performance

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina men's and women's track and field teams opened their 2008 seasons on Saturday as they hosted the Joe Hilton Tar Heel Invitational in the Eddie Smith Field House. The newest Tar Heels performed well in their first taste of collegiate competition. Next on the docket for the Tar Heels is the Eddie & Jo Smith Carolina Classic on Saturday, Jan. 19 in the Eddie Smith Field House.

The women won six individual events on the day as they were led by freshman LaToya James who turned in an NCAA provisional mark in her first collegiate action. James ran the prelims of the 60-meter hurdles in 8.37 beating the provisional time of 8.43. James would cruise to victory in the finals with a time of 8.44.

Joining in the sprint victories for the Tar Heels would be senior Tyra Johnson who captured the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.52. Johnson almost picked up a second win in the 200-meter dash but fell just short as she came in second with a time of 24.62, just ahead of teammate Ashley Hill (25.90).