@MiamiTrack Opens Strong at #UMAlumniMeet
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field program opened its final home meet of the 2015 outdoor season, the Hurricane Alumni Invitational.
The Canes had competitors in the women’s heptathlon, as well as the men’s and women’s hammer throw Friday.
Lea Johnson defended her home turf, winning the women’s hammer throw in her final home meet as a Hurricane. The senior posted a mark of 58.61m to claim the top spot in the standing, while junior Precious Ogunleye placed third with a mark of 58.29m and junior Tiffany Okieme finished fourth with a throw of 58.09m.
“Lea has been such a constant for us the last two years,” Miami director of track and field/cross country Amy Deem said. “To have her get a win in her last home meet and throw well is great. All three of them have been working well and pushing each other to throw further. I am really excited for them heading into ACCs and NCAAs. They are getting better each week.”
On the men’s side, sophomore Carlos Mangum was the top collegian in the hammer throw, placing second with a personal-best mark of 63.27m. Fellow sophomore Gian Piero Ragonesi placed sixth with a mark of 44.85m.
“Carlos is right there at 63 meters, which is his personal-best,” Deem said. “I know Coach Young is pushing the envelope with him to get him to throw really far. I look for him to finish the season really strong.”
Miami also had Amy Taintor competing in the women’s heptathlon, sitting in second place with 2,875 points after four events. The freshman won the high jump with a personal-best mark of 1.63m and ran a personal-best 15.42 seconds in the 100m hurdles.
“To have a freshman competing in her first heptathlon is exciting,” Deem said. “She’s doing well and had personal-bests in a couple of events. It was a great way to start the meet and I am looking forward to more great performances from our team tomorrow.”
Saturday’s action opens at 9:45 a.m. with the heptathlon’s long jump, while running events begin at 3 p.m. with the women’s 4x100m relay. Beyond the track and field events, the 11 seniors on Miami’s track and field team will be recognized for their contributions to the program in an on-field senior day ceremony Saturday at approximately 7 p.m.
For all the latest information on the Miami Hurricanes, follow the official Twitter feed, @MiamiHurricanes, 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 onInstagram.
