Troy University Athletics
Trojans Track and Field Concludes Fall
12/17/2009 5:00:00 PM | Track & Field
TROY, Ala. - The Troy University track & field team took there final training opportunity to have a White-Cardinal-Gray Intersquad competition to close out the Fall 2009 term.
Despite cool temperatures the spirit and competition was fierce.
"As a staff we were delighted with the outcome of the meet," Troy University Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Jill Lancaster said. "We felt across the board this was the best intersquad in recent years. It was very competitive down to the last relays. Anytime you can get all the event groups together in a competitive situation you see who will step up. The enthusiasm was high and the performances were excellent for this time of the year. Our staff and athletes sense the opportunity that lies ahead in the upcoming season. We head into the holidays looking forward to the season and the future of Troy Track and Field and Cross Country."
In the field events, the throws were led by returning NCAA participant and United States national qualifier Tiphanie Baker. A large group of young talented ladies showing great promise were chasing her, led by Brynn Forsyth (West Orange, FL), who excelled in the hammer while Nicole Studstill (Towers, GA) used her athletic ability to allow her to step up the competition.
Discus specialist Ashley Evans (Winter Springs FL) showed untapped talent in the javelin as she edged out veteran Chontia Allen. Meanwhile Dee Richards (Druid, GA) and Shayla Smith (Oak Ridge, FL) competed in the discus, while learning new throwing events this fall.
The men's throws looked to returning Sun Belt Conference scorer and Junior National Qualifier, javelin thrower Mack Howell to continue Troy's javelin presence and success, with newcomers Matt Braswell (Hoover, AL) and Heath Fincher (Mountain Brook, AL) The men look to challenge in the conference this season with new faces Cody Bahrke (Tri-Center, IA) in the hammer, Eddie Lynn (Milton, FL) in the discus and Caleb Tarver (Mill Creek, GA) in the discus.
In the field events, senior Lamontrey Stamper and sophomore Calvin Irons battled it out on the long jump and triple jump runway with a host of newcomers taking their shot at the returning jumpers for the Trojans. Meanwhile, Latoya Ragland led the way on the women's side in both with a host of multi-talented athletes in hot pursuit. The men's high jump was dominated by transfer freshmen Larry Henry, a transfer from Albany State University. On the women's side, returning high jumper Kapri Hockaday battled newcomer, Veronica Bryant (Hardaway, GA).
While the men's pole vault was lead by multi-event athlete Grant Bullington, with freshman Idral Bowen (Cedar Bluff, AL). The women's side included only one experience pole vaulter in Nichole Prescott (Montgomery, AL).
On the track, there were no surprises in the high hurdles as NCAA participant and US national qualifier Leander McKenzie proved he was the one to beat.
In the long hurdles freshman winner O'Jike Matt (Cordova TN) ran away from the field, but was followed closely by veterans Logan Etheridge and McKenzie. Multi-talented athlete, Burke Leonce was also in the field in the hurdles competition.
NCAA regional participants Naquita Rowe and Ragland had new company with Bryant the short hurdles. Meanwhile, 400-meter hurdle specialist Luv Dean (Creekside, GA) took little time in showcasing her talents with a win. Tamara Curtis (Osceola FL) also stepped up in the long hurdles with multi-event veterans Hockaday and Allen showing their versatility.
In the sprint competition, the races provided some very intense competition. In the men's races, several newcomers challenged NCAA Regional participants Leonce, Antonio McLeod and Payton McGhee for top honors. Modesto Junior College transfer Stanley Arukwe gave the trio something to chase along with newcomers Neko Freeman, Randall Askew (Brookwood, AL) and Phillip Pritchett (Hoover AL).
In the long sprints, Sun Belt Conference finalist Shane George, Arukwe and 4x800-meter specialist Curtis Hoyne (Phenix City, AL) hooked up with Chris Upshaw (Lanett, AL) following close behind. On the women's side two newcomers dominated at the top Ja-Courtney Alexander (Cairo, GA) and Simone Pugh (Cottage Hill, AL). They were joined by freshman Ashley Hall and veteran .Ariel Cavazos
In middle distance competition, sophomore Andre McElroy was chased my newcomers Jeff Rhodes and Kemper Morton. On the women's side, Chalyce Stancil (Cullman, AL) took the opportunity to show her speed on the track after running cross country all season.
In the distance competition, twins Morgan Paulson and Allison Paulson (Baker, AL) took control of the races while several veterans rested. On the men's side Jeremy Moujoodi continued to set the standard in this area. Newcomer Enoch Kirui (Eldoret, Kenya) was anxious to test his talents on the track while choosing to compete in several events.
Most of the distance crew had just come out of recovery from the cross country season therefore they limited their competition but enjoyed the friendly competition. Freshman Nathan Rouse was able to see how he would stack up on the track after a season of cross country.
The teams return to campus in January, with the women preparing for the indoor season which begins in January and the men for outdoor season which begins in March.
