Newman & Wimbley Named ACC Top Performers
GREENSBORO, N.C. – A weekend filled with impressive performances earned University of Miami track and field standouts Alysha Newman and Shakima Wimbley the distinction of ACC Performers of the Week.
Newman posted an NCAA-leading mark in the pole vault that ranks fourth in the world, while Wimbley leads the ACC and ranks second in the NCAA in the women’s 400m after her impressive showing at the 2016 Hurricane Alumni Invitational.
“I’m very happy for both Alysha and Shakima,” Miami director of track and field/cross country Amy Deem said. “Both have high goals for this season and to achieve great performances at this time of year speaks volumes to the work ethic and dedication that they possess.”
Newman’s pole vault mark of 4.60 meters (15-1) at the Hurricane Alumni Invitational topped the previous conference record of 4.58 meters (15-0.25) set by Florida State’s Lacy Janson at the 2006 ACC Championships. The Delaware, Ontario, native also broke her previous school record of 4.50m and shattered the Canadian National record of 4.55m set by Kelsie Hendry in 2008, while posting a mark that currently leads the NCAA and ranks fourth in the world.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better performance in front of my family and friends on Senior Day,” Newman said after Saturday’s action. “Everything from the coaching, to the trainers to the conditions went perfectly and set me up to have a big day. All of my hard work is paying off and a day like today just gives me more motivation heading into the rest of the outdoor season. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for me and my teammates.”
Wimbley made her presence known at the 2016 Hurricane Alumni Invitational, winning the women’s 400m and helping the Canes win the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The junior opened her outdoor season in the 400m with an ACC-leading time of 51.62 seconds that ranks second nationally. Wimbley also helped the Canes post ACC-leading times in the 4x100m (43.75) and 4x400m (3:31.73) relays, closing the meet with an outstanding anchor leg in the 4x400m that was timed at 50.88 seconds.
“This was my first meet opening up in the 400m and we got better times in the 4x100m and 4x400m,” Wimbley said Saturday. “I just wanted to make sure I executed each race and I felt pretty good. I’m happy with what I ran today and I just want to build from here going forward.”
Newman earned her third ACC Performer of the Week honor of the 2016 season, winning the award once during the indoor season and twice during outdoor competition. Wimbley earned her first outdoor ACC Performer of the Week honor and fourth overall in 2016. The duo has accounted for seven of Miami’s eight ACC Performer of the Week honors in 2016.
Junior Aiyanna Stiverne joins Newman and Wimbley as Hurricanes who have earned ACC Performer of the Week honors this year. Stiverne was named ACC Women’s Track Performer of the Week on March 22 after running a then-ACC-leading 200m time of 23.33 seconds at the Hurricane Invitational.
Miami will spend this week training in preparation for the final two meets before the ACC Outdoor Championships. The Canes will compete at the Tom Jones Invitational on April 22 in Gainesville, Fla., and the LSU Invitational on April 30 in Baton Rouge, La. The ACC Outdoor Championships are scheduled for May 13-15 in Tallahassee, Fla.
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