TAMPA, Fla. — On Day 2 of the USF Alumni Invitational, Vanderbilt student-athletes continued to improve upon their personal-best times.
“This weekend marked our official transition from indoor to outdoor season,” director of track and field Althea Thomas said. “Similar to indoor, we use this first meet to apply some skills and strategies as our events change. There are several events in outdoor track and field that do not exist indoors. We had some solid performances and efforts that are setting ourselves up for a great year.”
Out of 65 runners, Cameron Fawcett finished first among Commodores and 15th overall in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:33.73. Clara Steer was the fifth freshman finisher in the same event with a time of 4:45.94.
Madison Murray turned in a personal best in the 100-meter hurdles, crossing the finish line in 14.79 seconds. Falon Spearman also had a personal-best performance on the track, recording a time of 57.31 seconds in the 400 meters.
In the 100 meters, Lena Gooden was the third freshman and 10th overall with a time of 11.76 seconds, it is the No. 3 mark in Vandy history and a personal best. Haley Bishop was not far behind, coming in 12th with a time of 11.82 seconds. Santana Spearman also ran the 100-meter race and turned in a personal-best time of 12.31 seconds.
The Dores’ performances in the shot put was a highlight of Day 1. Sarah Omoregie (16.59 meters) and Kosi Umerah (13.74 meters) recorded the third and ninth-best respective marks in program history.
“We had some good performances in the shot put with two athletes cracking the [outdoor program all-time] top 10 for the first time in their career,” Thomas said. “And with Lena also entering the 100 meters top 10 as well, it is a solid start, and we are looking forward to building on it.”
Vanderbilt will take next weekend off; it will be back on the road for Raleigh Relays March 28-30 and Florida Relays March 29-30.