Canes Track Ready for Penn Relays
PHILADELPHIA – The University of Miami track & field program is set to compete at the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, the Penn Relays.
A week after their record-setting weekend at the ACC Outdoor Championships, the Canes travel to Pennsylvania for three days of competition against schools from across the country beginning April 25.
Miami director of track & field and cross country Amy Deem is eager to see how women’s relay teams will perform at Penn. The Hurricane women, who are coming off a season-best 3:39.81 in the4x400m relay, will run the 4x800m relay and the sprint medley.
“It was a good start, not where we need to be, but it’s definitely an improvement,” Deem said.
Other women to watch include jumpers Samantha Williams and Dakota Dailey-Harris, as well as throwers Amber Monroe and Lea Johnson.
“Lea is really exciting to watch,” Deem said. “Being a freshman, what she continues to do on a weekly basis is great. We did really well in the field events last week and we’re looking to duplicate that success. I know the ladies are really excited about this weekend.”
Isaiah Simmons leads the way for the Hurricane men. The redshirt freshman is coming off an MVP performance at the ACC Outdoor Championships after winning the men’s shot put and placing third in discus.
Simmons, who already owned Miami’s shot put and hammer records entering the conference championships, surpassed Mitch Sammons’s 31-year-old discus mark of 175’ 2” by more than three feet.
“Isaiah has definitely set the tone as a leader, especially by example,” Deem said. “He may not be the most vocal on the team, but he is does what it takes week-by-week and it has been truly remarkable to watch him this season.”
Hurricane jumpers John-Patrick Friday, Timothy Richardson and Innocent Jacob are some other men to look out this weekend. The trio competed well at the ACC Outdoor Championships, each scoring for Miami.
“The men’s jumpers continue to improve week-by-week and they are something to look forward to,” Deem said.
For all the latest information on the Miami Hurricanes, follow the official Twitter feed, @HurricaneSports, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/MiamiHurricanes. Follow @MiamiTrack on Twitter for specific news on UM track and field and cross country.
Women’s Entries
High Jump
Dakota Dailey-Harris
Triple Jump
Samantha Williams
Hammer Throw
Lea Johnson
Discus Throw
Amber Monroe
4x800m Relay
Sprint Medley
Men’s Entries
Shot Put
Isaiah Simmons
Discus Throw
Isaiah Simmons
Long Jump
Innocent Jacob
Timothy Richardson
John-Patrick Friday
Triple Jump
Timothy Richardson
John-Patrick Friday
4x100m Relay
4x200m Relay
