Throwers Shine in Day 1 of Hurricane Invite
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field program had a strong showing from their throwers on the opening day of the 2014 Hurricane Invitational.
Fresh off her appearance at the NCAA Indoor Championships, Lea Johnson won the women’s hammer with a personal-best mark of 59.22m. The junior’s throw ranks second in school history behind Miami record holder Kimberli Barrett (62.20m).
“Lea started off with a huge throw that ranks second all-time and won the competition,” Deem said. “That is a great way to start her outdoor season.”
Isaiah Simmons and Gian Ragonesi each secured a Top 5 finish in the men’s hammer while moving into the top two spots in the Miami record book. Simmons placed second with a personal-best throw of 51.56m to increase his school-best mark by one-tenth of a meter, while Ragonesi finished fourth with a mark of 50.01m that vaulted him into second place in UM history.
“Isaiah continues to put our school records in a respectable place and continues to get better each meet,” Deem said.
Senior Luke Fontaine secured his first victory in the men’s 5000m with a time of 15:27.26. Fontaine was one of two Miami men to finish in the top 5 in the 5000m, joined by JaCee Jarnagin who placed fourth with a time of 15:58.11.
“I’m happy for Luke as a senior to be able to win tonight in the 5000m,” Deem said.
On the women’s side, Julia Koch finished sixth in the women’s 5000m with a personal-best time of 19:24.62, while Katie Paine made her Miami debut and placed 10th.
John-Patrick Friday cleared 1.95m to place third in the men’s high jump. The sophomore will be back in action Saturday in the men’s triple jump.
“It’s great to be outdoors and it was a good opening night for us,” Deem said. “I look forward to tomorrow and finding out where we are outdoors and move forward.”
Saturday’s field events begin at 1 p.m. with the women’s discus, the men’s shot put and the men’s long jump. The final day’s running events also begin at 1 p.m. with the men’s 4x100m relay.
The Hurricanes are back at home next weekend for the Miami Invitational on March 29. Next weekend’s meet is the second of three meets scheduled for Cobb Stadium. The Hurricane Alumni Invitational, Miami’s final home meet, is scheduled for April 12.
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