By Layne Weitzel, TTU Sports Information
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Tennessee Tech wasted no time in making noise at the opening day of the Tyson Invitational on Friday.
The Golden Eagles broke three school records and tallied a handful of marks ranked high in the OVC, setting them off to a good start in one of the most reputable indoor track meets in the country.
"It was a strong first day for Tech," said head coach Wayne Angel. "We performed extremely well against the Power Five schools. I thought every event that we competed in, we represented Tennessee Tech with a high level of intensity and competitiveness. I am very proud of these young ladies. They were on a mission today."
Sharnique Leonce started off the day in the long jump, finishing seventh with a distance of 5.64m. She broke teammate Khemani Roberts' school record of 5.57m from the Fred Wilt Open in January.
"Sharnique is rounding into shape," said Angel. "She is starting to look like the OVC champion of last year. She had a great long jump today and broke the school record."
Micayla Rennick broke her own school record of 4:48.99 in the mile invitational, crossing the line in 4:46.15. Rennick was beaten only by Ashley Carreon, a former All-America track athlete at Nebraska who was running the meet unattached.
"Micayla was awesome today," said Angel. "She was the class of the collegiate field, only to be bested by a non-collegiate athlete."
D'Airrien Jackson and Na'Asha Robinson rounded out Tech's day in the 400m dash invitational. Jackson finished sixth in 52.84, a time that now is tops in the OVC and ninth-best in the country. It also sets a new school record.
Robinson followed in eighth place, recording a time of 53.06. That ranks second-best in the OVC and 11th-best in the country.
"D'Airrien and Na'Asha were spectacular today," said Angel. "They were fearless competitors. Both of their times ranked them in the top 15 of the nation. D'Airrien ran a PR and broke the school record in the process.
"All in all, I thought our sprints and distances were solid today. We are beginning to peak at the right moment. I'm looking forward to what day two will bring."
Tech concludes the Tyson Invitational tomorrow with the triple jump, high jump, 200m dash, 5000 meters and 4x400m relay. The meet will be streamed live on SEC Network+ beginning at 1 p.m. CT.
