Tech track team runs Saturday at TSU Invitational to open season
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The indoor track & field seasons
gets underway Saturday for the Tennessee Tech women’s team,
which will have 16 entries at the TSU Invitational. The meet begins
at 8 a.m. in Tennessee State University’s Gentry Center.
Tech track & field coach Tony Cox will also have five members
of the men’s cross country team competing in the distance
events. A field of 15 team is expected to compete.
"We're anxious to compete, and we're excited about seeing some of
our newcomers compete," said Tony Cox. "The entire team has worked
extremely hard throughout the fall and winter, and they're looking
forward to this meet.”
Among the returnees looking to make an immediate impact are senior
Stephanie Place and sophomore Ashley Mayhew. Place, the OVC Runner
of the Year during the cross country season, will be among the top
runners in the 5,000-meter race. She will also run a leg in the
distance medley relay.
Mayhew will compete in the shot put and weight throw, and could
challenge school records in both events.
Cox thinks the 4x400 relay team could also push for a school
record. Saturday’s lineup will include sophomores Leayn
Carter and Danielle Catlett, along with freshmen Jenna Philpott and
Emily Weinzetl.
A freshman from San Antonio, Weintzel will run the 400-meter run as
well as the 400 leg in the distance medley relay and the anchor leg
in the 4x400. Philpott is a rookie from Manchester, Tenn., who will
compete in the long jump, 4x400 and run the 800-meter leg of the
DMR.
“Emily is exciting to watch and she may be close to the
school record in the 400,” Cox said. “Jenna is a
talented and versatile athlete, and she is really going to help our
team this year.”
In addition to Weinzel and Philpott, the distance medley relay
foursome for Tech will include Tiffany Palmer on the 1,200-meter
leg and Place in the mile.
Two notable performers who will not be in action Saturday include
seniors Keri Light and Katherine Lynn. Light has a previous
academic commitment, while Lynn will sit out the entire indoor
season with an injury.
