Lakehawk Track & Field Delivers Strong Performance at Embry-Riddle Meet
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Track & Field) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) Track & Field teams delivered another outstanding weekend of competition at the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic. The teams battled one of the hottest weekends on the season so far paired with strong winds while producing multiple personal bests ahead of the national championships in May.
For the Lakehawk women, Sabrina Norzea recorded a personal best of 12.96 in the 100m, while Oksanna Smith led the group with a 21st place finish and personal best of 25.39 in the 200m. Smith also ran a time of 58.17 in the 400m.
In the 800m, Sade Lee placed 25th with a personal best of 2:26.74 followed by Neelyanis Lugo Ramos with a personal best time of 2:30.22. Their performances, combined with the group's progression, position the Lakehawks' 4x800m relay just 2.52 seconds from the national qualifying standard.
Amaya Mitchell placed ninth in the high jump with a mark of 1.47m. Skyler Carter took 14th in the long jump with a mark of 5.14m and Leah Sowers cleared her personal best with of 2.75m for 10th overall in the pole vault.
Lily Lewis made her debut in the heptathlon, finishing 11th overall with 3,401 which ranks seventh nationally in the event. Several highlights from her performance includes a ninth place finish in the high jump (1.42m), seventh place finish in the 200m (26.99), and a second place finish in the 800m (2:27.53).
"Sabrina breaking 13 seconds in the 100m was a big moment for her a huge step forward. In the 800m, both Sade and Neelyanis had major personal bests and what stood out most was how they competed; they ran with courage and confidence, executed their race plans, and stayed aggressive throughout," said Head Coach Cristy Snellgroves.
"Lily put together an outstanding heptathlon, and her 800m was especially impressive – finishing first in her heat and second overall with a time very close to her personal best after two full days of competition. That shows a lot of strength and competitiveness."
For the men, Spencer Palmer led the way with a fifth place finish in the 800m with a time of 1:53.63 and sixth place finish with a personal best time of 3:54.69 in the 1500m. Elijah Palmer added a strong double, running two personal bests of 1:55.10 in the 800m and 3:59.14 in the 1500m.
All of the Lakehawks that competed in the 800m this event contributed significantly to the team's 4x800m relay standing. Dontae Morris ran a 1:56.14, Noah Kaegi ran 1:56.86, and Issa Issaku ran 2:03.48 to improve the national ranking to 10th.
In distance events, Bryce Blalock ran a personal best in the 5000m with a time of 17:03.50. Owen Kingery followed with a time of 17:24.41.
"On the men's side, out 800m group really stepped up. Noah dropped time for a much-needed personal best, and Dontae is still learning the race coming from the 400m. Overall, that entire group is capable of running much faster and we are just starting to see what they can do."
"I am especially excited our 4x800m group, as they should be very competitive at nationals."
In field events, Jeremiah Wiley cleared his personal best in the High Jump with a 2.00m mark for seventh place. He also took 12th in the long jump with a mark of 6.69m.
Judson Nichols-Webb placed sixth in the javelin with a mark of 58.26m which currently ranks eighth nationally.
"Jeremiah had a big breakthrough in the high jump and Judson continues to perform at a high level in the javelin. Across the board, we are seeing growth, confidence, and athletes stepping up when it matters."
"Overall, this was a really strong weekend for our group, especially considering the hot temperatures and gusty winds. I was proud of how our athlete competed with toughness and composure in all areas," said Coach Snellgroves.
The Lakehawks now take the week to prepare for the Dick Roberts Seminole Invite this weekend in Tallahassee, Fla.
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