Miami T&F Starts Strong at New Mexico Classic

Miami T&F Starts Strong at New Mexico Classic

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University ofMiami track and field program got off to a strong start in the New MexicoClassic Friday night.

“Tonight wecame out and competed with a lot of confidence and poise,” said Amy Deem, Miami’sDirector of Track and Field and Cross Country.

Sophomore TaneishaCordell and junior Alaine Tate led off the big day by finishing first andsecond in the women’s 600m run. Cordell came out on top with a time of 1:31.61,but Tate was right behind her, finishing in 1:32.00.

“Taneisha ranan aggressive race from the start to finish and shattered the meet record,”Deem said.

Freshman Lea Johnsoncontinued the success on the women’s side, finishing as the runner-up in thewomen’s weight throw with a distance of 61′ 6.25″. The throw was good enough toplace fourth on Miami’s all-time list.

“Lea iscompeting like we want all our athletes to compete,” Deem said. “She is gettingbetter with each throw and I believe that she is setting herself up for atremendous finish to the season.”

Sophomore Phillip Dorsettwas Miami’s first male athlete to earn accolades Friday, winning the 200m dashwith a time of 21.69 seconds.

“I thoughtPhillip ran extremely well in his first 200 since high school and his firstever on a banked track,” Deem said.

Sophomore DavinJohnson also turned in a solid performance, finishing the 400m in 50.40 secondsto take third place in the event.

Sophomore Jokira Jilesalso stepped up for the women, running the 200m in 24. 52 seconds. The timeplaced her fourth in the race, but ranked first among Miami female athletesthis season.

Sophomore Sean Pezzulo ran the 5000m in15:25.59, setting a personal record while finishing fourth in the race.

Dakota Dailey Harris also had a strongshowing, finishing second in the women’s high jump. The freshman cleared 5’10”, a season-best for Miami track and field.

The Hurricanes are back in action inDay 2 of the New Mexico Classic on Saturday. The action kicks off with thewomen’s shot put at noon ET.

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