@MiamiTrack Sets Records at Florida Relays
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field program had a record-setting day at the 2014 Florida Relays.
Carlos Mangum set a school record in his outdoor debut, while Alysha Newman improved her school-best mark a week after breaking Miami’s nearly 12-year-old pole vault record.
Mangum wasted no time making an impact for the Hurricanes. The freshman was the first Miami student-athlete to compete at Florida Relays and he set a new school record in the men’s hammer throw. Mangum, who placed ninth, Shattered Isaiah Simmons’ record mark of 51.56m from the Hurricane Invitational on March 21 with a huge throw of 57.78m.
Newman, who finished second in the women’s pole vault, improved her school record mark to 4.25m. Last week, the sophomore battled difficult winds and came from a short approach, but cleared 4.00m to pass Lauren Koutrelakos’ record mark of 3.25m (4/13/2002).
A trio of other Miami women had notable performances in Gainesville Friday.
Shakima Wimbley placed third overall in the women’s 400m with a personal-best time of 52.58 seconds that ranks fourth all-time in Miami history.
Thandi Stewart placed fifth overall in the women’s 800m with a personal-best time of 2:07.26, while Jamika Glades finished fifth in the women’s 400m hurdles with a personal-best time of 57.96 seconds. The sophomore finished one spot behind Hurricane alumna Tameka Jameson, who placed fourth with a time of 57.72 seconds.
On the men’s side, Gian Ragonesi joined Mangum with a big mark. The freshman placed fourth in the men’s discus with a personal-best mark of 51.37m that ranks third in school history.
The Canes are back in action Saturday beginning at noon with the women’s sprint hurdle relay. Miami will compete in six relays Saturday, as well as four field events beginning with the women’s hammer throw at 1 p.m.
For all the latest information on the Miami Hurricanes, follow the official Twitter feed, @HurricaneSports, or “Like Us” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MiamiHurricanes. Follow @MiamiTrack on Twitter for specific news on UM track and field and cross country. The program is also on Instagram. For the most accurate and up to date information delivered to your phone, download the official Miami Hurricanes app for your Droid or iPhone.
