Being the third consecutive week of competing, the UF track and field team nevertheless put on a solid performance.
The Gators had top results on the opening day at the Doc Hale Virginia Tech Elite in Blacksburg, Va., from junior thrower Jayla Bostic, senior hurdler Eddie Lovett and sophomore pole-vaulter Jared Watkins.
All three athletes took first place finishes in their respective events, but it was the field events that rose to the occasion.
“We had a really good night in the field events, and just an OK day on the track,” coach Mike Holloway said. “We’re tired – this is the runners’ third straight week competing, but we’re not going to make excuses.”
A part of the great showing from the field team, Watkins cleared 17-0.75 feet in the pole vault placing himself in first place for the day, and ninth in the UF record book.
In addition, Bostic threw her way into a first place finish of her own with a 20.86 meter throw, and junior thrower David Levin posted a personal record in the men’s weight throw with a distance of 19.19 meters.
“Jared (Watkins) had a great PR to move into the top 10 and Jayla (Bostic) and David (Levin) had good PRs as well,” Holloway said.
With the stand out performances from the field, Holloway said he’s very proud of the work that coach Steve Lemke has done with the throwers, and coach Nic Petersen has done a phenomenal job with the pole-vaulters.
Lovett, as usual this season has taken his event in the men’s 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.74 for the fourth straight time this season.
Following Lovett was Moriel Pitt in third place (7.97), and Yanick Hart in fourth (8.02).
With another day left of competition the Gators seek to earn better results.
“It was a really solid night,” Holloway said. “We’re looking forward to accomplishing some things tomorrow in the shot put, triple jump and 200-meter.”
Follow Lawrence Laguna on Twitter @LagunaLawrence
