Robinson Takes NCAA Lead in Triple Jump
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field team huddled around the triple jump runway Saturday night with all eyes locked on Russell Robinson.
The junior jumper captivated the attention of his teammates to end the weekend at the Hurricane Alumni Invitational.
It only took Robinson his first attempt of the evening to shatter his own program record and take the NCAA-lead in the triple jump with a mark of 16.45 meters (53-11.75). He set the previous school best just two weeks ago at the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational when he jumped 16.23 meters (53-3).
“I am really proud of Russell,” said director of track and field and cross country Amy Deem. “I think we are having some really good performances but as we get through the season, we have to have a more collective group of better performances. I just thought we were a little complacent being at home. I didn’t get the performances that I had hoped for this weekend.”
Jacious Sears was the first to cross the finish line in the 100 meter at 11.44 seconds. She added a third-place finish in the 200 meter, clocking in at 23.81.
Improving upon his third-best time in the 800 meter, Ayman Zahafi registered a finish of 1:47.39 to claim the top spot in the event and a new PB.
Justin Forde launched 15.85 meters (52-0) in the long jump to earn the second farthest mark in the Miami record book. He finished third in the event.
In the throws group, Hannah-Sophia Hall and Jeff Williams each improved their top-five program marks in the shot put. Hall threw 17.01 meters (55-9.75) to increase her third best mark, while Williams extended his fifth mark up to 17.32 meters (56-10). Each finished third in their respective event.
Justin Rittenhouse and Natalie Varela each finished third in their events. Rittenhouse clocked in at 3:54.79 in the 1500 meter for a new PR. Varela raced in the 800 meter to finish with a new PR of 2:06.80.
A new PR was set in the 400 meter for Jalen Gordon as he bolted to a time of 48.70.
Miami will be off for a week before returning to action on Apr. 23 at the LSU Alumni Gold in Baton Rouge, La.
Fans can stay up to date on University of Miami track and field and cross country team’s news by following along on Instagram and Twitter @canestrack.
