The BYU track and field team competed against tough competition and had a chance to show off its talent this weekend at the USC Trojan Invitational.
On the men’s side, Steve Flint and James Tracy both set career-best times in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, taking second and third place. In the 100-meter dash, senior Fan Fan Charles took fifth overall with a time of 10.56. Cade Lindahl was the top performer for BYU in the 400-meter dash, taking fifth overall with 47.90. Korey Smith set a new personal record by two seconds in the 400-meter dash, earning him fourth overall.
In the field events, Scott Matheson finished third overall in the long jump with a distance of 22-09.75. Dakoda John tied for third place in the high jump competition, clearing 6-09.75. Dennis Christensen took first in the shot put competition with a mark of 51-11.75, and Winston Wilkinson took second with a throw of 168-11.00.
“Overall it was a very good day for us,” BYU men’s head coach Mark Robison said in a news release. “Some of the young kids competed well against top competition. We also realized we’ve got a way to go, but that’s a good thing. That’s why we want to go up against the best schools in the country, so we can see where we need to improve.”
The women had a strong showing this weekend in the pole vault with Rachel Fisher tying for first place with a mark of 3.90 meters. Jennica Redd placed third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:40.77, and Rachel Stewart finished third in the 1,500-meters with a time of 4:30.40 to lead the team.
The Cougars are making good progress in the track and field outdoor season, and will continue by splitting up the teams next week to compete at the Texas Relays, UVU Hal Wing Collegiate Invitational and the Stanford Invitational.
