Saturday also marked the return of multiple Gator Greats to Percy Beard Track as they competed professionally back on their home turf.
TOP PERFORMANCES
Grace Stark returned to 2022 form as she rattled off a record breaking run of 12.56 in the 100m Hurdle finals. Stark’s run breaks her own school record which she set in 2022 at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational (12.58). In addition to setting a new top time in UF History, the White Lake, Michigan native holds the No. 1 time in the NCAA in 2024 and the fifth best time in the world this year.
For the third consecutive week Alida van Daalen has broken her own discus school record: first at Pepsi Florida Relays, then at the Triton Invitational and now at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational. The record, and van Daalen’s personal best, now stand at 62.58m/205’4″. The sophomore’s mark stands at No. 2 in the nation in 2024, top in the Southeastern Conference and allowed her to take home first place in the Discus Throw Invite on Saturday.
Gracelyn Leiseth carried her momentum from Friday night into Saturday’s competition as the freshman finished first in the Women’s Discus Throw Open. Her mark of 51.93m/170’4″ makes this the third instance Leiseth has thrown over 51.00m this season.
Participating in the Men’s Hammer Throw Invite, Will Gross IV showed his consistency as he recorded a mark of over 66.00m for the third time this outdoor season. The Newfane, New York native’s best throw on Saturday landed at 66.35m/217’8″ which placed him second in the competition.
Jevaughn Powell recorded the fastest opening 400m time of his collegiate career as he posted a time of 45.21. His time was not only good enough to place him fourth in the event but lands him in fourth in the NCAA in 2024 as participants of the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational take up the top seven spots.
Kai Chang placed fourth in the Men’s Discus Throw Invite with his best throw landing at 59.88m/196’5″. Chang just narrowly missed his third consecutive meet in which he has recorded a throw of over 60.00m.
ALTERING THE…
CLICK HERE to Read the Full Original Article at Florida Gators…