Jones, Buehrle Second at Samford Invite

Saturday, February 15

Birmingham, AL

10:00 a.m.

Chattanooga

Samford Open

Results

2/15/2020 8:28:00 PM | Cross Country & Track & Field

Results Photos

By: Anne Wehunt

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The Chattanooga indoor track and field team had a productive day at the Samford invitational Saturday at the Birmingham CrossPlex as they prepare for the upcoming Southern Conference Championships.

Makenzie Jones bested her time from earlier this season in the 3000 meter at 10:26.86 placing second and Mattie Parker also set a PR with a 10:53.40 and a seventh place finish.

"The 3K girls worked on accelerating through the race producing their fastest K of the race in the last K" Chattanooga head coach Andy Meyer said. Makenzie raced alone and nabbed second. Mattie had a great race again and caught several in the last 800."

Abby Bateman paced the Mocs in the 800 meter with an indoor PR of 2:15.94, placing third overall. Nicole Buehrle also set a PR with a time of 2:20.55

"Abby ran well, got out and hung with the leaders," Meyer said. "Nicole [Buehrle] and Ashlynd [Broling] were impressive in the 800 after doing the mile earlier."

In the mile, Buehrle finished second with a time of 5:10.27 and Broling was fourth (5:14.60) with Hannah Caldwell seventh at 5:25.70.

"The mile turned into a tactical race," Meyer said. "Slow then fast. Very slow start that turned into basically a 300m sprint finish."

The day started with the 5000 meter run with all three improving their times. Emily Poole was fourth at 18:20.77. Sophia Neglia was sixth at 18:31.58 and Lesley Green, in her first collegiate track race at the longer distance, was seventh with a time of 18:38.76.

Freshman Madelyn Thompson had a full slate with all of her competitions close together. She started with the long jump and broke her previous best with a measurement of 5.09 meters. She went on to set a PR in the 60 meter hurdles at 9.39 and ran the 60 meter in 8.35.

"Madelyn Thompson continues to keep getting better with every race," Meyer said. "In the LJ she was eight inches behind the board and still had a great jump."

McKenzie Williamson set a personal best in the 60 meter dash with a sub-eight time at 7.95 and Sage Davis matched her PR at 8.07.

Katie Coker and Syndey Cansler each improved on their 400 meter times and the 4x400 meter relay team saw another combination as Meyer experiments with the lineup.

"The 4x400 ran well as we toy with different kids in different spots to find our best combination," Meyer said. "McKenzie Williamson led off, followed by Abby Bateman, then Madelyn Thompson and Katie Coker anchored us home."

Three members of the men's cross country team competed Saturday in the 3000 meter run. Jonathan Boyd was the Mocs top finisher at 9:06.02 followed by teammate Ryan Phillips at 9:07.39. Newcomer Jasper Wilson finished at 9:55.72.

"The guys opened up their season well," Meyer said. "Jonathan ran a very smart race in a very fast heat. Ryan ran maybe his best race here at UTC. He took control of his heat race and ran aggressive.

"Overall almost across the board everyone set season best or PRd. We are trending very favorably in every event towards the conference meet. Exactly where we need to be at this time."

The Southern Conference Championships will be hosted by VMI in Lexington, Va., February 28 through March 1. For more information, check out the Indoor Track Championship page at SoConSports.com.

Samford Open Results

Long Jump

25.

Madelyn Thompson

5.09m

5000m Run