Hill and Williams Win to Highlight Canes Opener
Jan. 14, 2012
COMPLETE RESULTS (Canes highlighted in yellow)
LEXINGTON, Ky.–The University of Miami men’s and women’s track and field teams wrapped up the first event of the indoor season tonight, leaving the Kentucky Invitational with two titles. Seniors Devon Hill and Tarika Williams won the 60-meter hurdles and 60-meter dash, respectively to lead the Canes.
Hill, a returning All-American in the 60-meter hurdles, bested the field with a time of 7.80 to medal. Williams, the reigning Atlantic Coast Conference champion in the 200 meters, showed her speed and prowess on the short track, winning the 60-meter dash in a time of 7.30—a new personal best for the Kingston, Jamaica native.
“Our seniors showed great leadership today, said Director of Track and Field Amy Deem. “Tarika [Williams] was very impressive today; she opened up with a personal best and a win in the 60m. Our men’s hurdles had strong performances and I look for them to make big strides as the season progresses.”
In addition to Hill and Williams, six Hurricanes were among the top five in their respective events. Freshman Darrell Butler made his collegiate debut in the 60-meter hurdles, finishing third in a time of 8.21. Junior Samantha Williams leaped 39 feet, five inches in the women’s triple jump to finish fourth. Rounding out the top-five finishers were the both the men’s and women’s 4×400-meter relay teams. The women’s team of Jorika Jiles, Tameka Jameson, Shannon Wright and Williams crossed the line in 3:45.66 to place fourth. On the men’s side, Hill, Butler, Christian Cook and Kieron Anthony clocked a 3:19.70, good for fourth place.
“Overall I thought the team gave great effort, but our performances have to improve as we prepare for the ACC Championships next month,” said Deem.
Eleven Hurricanes were among the top-10 finishers during the final day of competition in seven different events. The men’s 60-meter hurdles saw three finishers among the top 10, while the women’s shot put and the women’s 60-meter dash each had two. The men’s 60 meters, women’s 400 meters and both the men’s and women’s 4×400-relay teams round out the group.
The Canes are back in action on Jan. 26 at the Birmingham Invitational hosted by UAB in Birmingham, Ala.
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