CLEMSON, S.C. – The Florida State track and field team wasted no time on day one of the Bob Pollock Invitational. With five wins and many personal record performances the FSU team has made it clear that they have no desire to step back from their indoor success.
“Great opening day for us. I was really pleased with our focus and effort, especially for so early in the year,” said Florida State head coach Bob Braman.
Jumps Isaac Grimes and Jeremiah Davis once again dominated the men’s long jump. Grimes made an enormous jump of 8.18m to take the win with a distance that was not just a huge PR and national leader but also No. 2 in FSU history behind Seminole legend Ngoni Makusha (8.21m). Davis took second by jumping a massive distance of 7.99m to beat his previous 7.86m PR. Not to be outdone Alonie Sutton and Ruta Lasmane also took first and second in the women’s long jump by both jumping a distance of 6.14m.
“Our jump ladies continue to impress. For them to go 1-2 and jump 6.14 meters is a strong statement for a couple of Triple Jump specialists,” said Braman.
Distance The Nole’s also dominated in the women’s mile. Maudie Skyring led from the gun to finish in first position with a blistering time of 4:40. She was followed by Alyson Churchill and Jennifer Lima. Churchill clocked a time of 4:43 to take third position in her first ever indoor meet whilst Lima ran took a massive 15 seconds of her previous time to finish in a time of 4:44 in a huge PR. Their weekend is not over yet as Skyring, Churchill and Lima will be back on the track tomorrow to run in the women’s 3k.
Sprints and Hurdles The Nole’s took two more victories in the men’s and women’s 60m dash. Jayla Kirkland successfully opened up her 2021 indoor season by winning the women’s 60m in a time of 7.25. Ka’Tia Seymour followed her in fifth position with a time of 7.44. There was a similar story on the men’s side. Don’drea Swint took the victory in a PR of 6.63 starting his indoor track season on a high in his first ever race as a Seminole. Darryl Gay followed him in third position with a time of 6.76. In the 60m hurdles Tyson Williams took third in a new PR of 8.02, improving his effort from his season opener two weeks ago.
“It was good to see our top two ladies (Kirkland and Seymour) healthy and competing again. Their times weren’t fast but they won their heats and advanced to the final. So, mission accomplished,” said FSU head coach. “The men’s short sprinters did a nice job, winning three of the heats. Swint was the top qualifier and looked really strong.”
Day two of the Bob Pollock invitational commences on Saturday Jan. 30 with the men’s heptathlon 60m hurdles. The first track event is scheduled to be the women’s 800m at 12pm., with the women’s shotput kicking off the field events at 10:30am.
Keep up with the Seminoles by visiting Seminoles.com for the latest news and scheduling information or keep up with the team on social media via Twitter (@FSU_Track), Facebook (@FSUTrack), and Instagram (@fsu_track).