COLUMBIA, S.C. (Jan. 20, 2023) – Day one of the 2023 Carolina Challenge has concluded with six South Carolina victories as the Gamecocks saw a limited number of participants in the opening day on Friday.
“I felt we competed well today for those that took part in the first day,” added Head Coach Curtis Frye. “What Jayla Jamison and Filip Demsar did today in the 60 meter and 60 meter hurdles was great to see, both setting Top 10 NCAA marks on our own track. Also proud of Jack Mensch in the 800 and EJ Richardson winning his section of the 400. Very encouraged by Emma Stone setting her new personal best in the pole vault to win and Blair Brooks cracking a Top-10 program mark in the triple jump.”
Jayla Jamison and Filip Demsar highlighted the Gamecocks on Friday, each setting Top 10 NCAA marks in their respective events. Jamison ran a pair of personal best times, beginning in the 60-meter semifinals with a time of 7.29. She then bested that in the finals when she clocked a time of 7.25, the eighth fastest time in the NCAA and sixth best time in program history. Demsar clocked a pair of 7.77 runs in the men’s 60-meter hurdles, winning the semifinals and placing second overall in the final race. His time of 7.77 currently ranks ninth in the NCAA Top 10.
EJ Richardson and Jack Mensch also collected wins on the men’s side of the meet. Richardson clocked a 400-meter time of 48.57 to capture the title, while Mensch posted a mark of 1:53.05 in the men’s 800 meter to win with the 57th fastest time in the NCAA.
The final men’s victory of the day came from the men’s one-mile race as freshman Jackson Dawson clocked a personal-best time of 4:16.96 to secure yet another Gamecock victory. In the men’s triple jump, it was Blair Brooks’ runner-up finish that provided a bright spot for Carolina after he secured a personal-best 14.88m (48-10.0) for the ninth best indoor triple jump in program history.
The South Carolina women’s distance runners stole the show today as well, with Molly Joseph winning the 5K with a time of 18:39.36 for a new personal best. Teammate Emily Smith set a new indoor PR in the women’s mile with a time of 5:08.46 to finish runner up.
Emma Stone registered her indoor personal best in the pole vault, clearing 3.70m (12-01.5) for her first win of the season, doing so on the second attempt.
South Carolina will conclude the 2023 Carolina Challenge tomorrow with the first event beginning at 10 a.m. Doors will open at 8…