By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – It was a strong day at work for the Tennessee Tech indoor track & field team Friday, as the Golden Eagles turned in more than 10 personal records at the team's first day of competition at the Buccaneer Track & Field Invitational.
"As we step into February competition, all the hard work put in during Christmas break and preseason is starting to pay off," Tech head coach Peter Dalton expressed. "Now we'll look to finish this weekend strong with an eye on conference coming up in a couple of weeks."
Helen Pacurariu-Nagy paced the day's performances, taking medalist honors in the 5,000-meter run with a personal-best showing of 18:19.97. Madilyn Long made it a one-two finish in the event, placing second with her own career-shattering record of 18:45.42.
The long-distance runners were impressive as a group as well, with the purple and gold claiming a runner-up finish in the 4,000-meter distance medley relay. Pacurariu-Nagy, Amara Nwajagu, Tina Cesnik, and Ruby Wyles teamed up for a collective personal record of 12:52.68 in the DMR.
Cayla Johnson also delivered a podium finish in the long jump, producing a personal record of 5.71 meters (18'8.75"). Johnson completed the event in third place overall. She also qualified for the 60-meter hurdle finals, setting a PR during the semifinals with a time of 9.15 seconds.
Sprinter Tenae Minor collected a pair of personal-best marks, including a time of 7.79 seconds to qualify for the finals in the 60-meter dash. She also turned in a PR of 26.36 seconds in the 200-meter dash.
Rounding out personal records for the Golden Eagles on the day were Kategie Casseus in the 60-meter (7.92) and200-meter (25.67), Ashtin Holman in the 200-meter (26.54), and Diamond Rush in the 400-meter (1:03.26).
A group of members of the Tech men's cross country team participated in the meet as well, turning in spectacular results. Freshman Miceal McCaul claimed medalist honors in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 15:09.44. Not far behind in sixth was Chase Faudi, clocking in at 15:30.80. The two teamed up with Robert Dawson and Clayton Kirkus to take home a first-place finish in the 4,000-meter distance medley as well.
Up Next
The Golden Eagles will wrap up competition at the Buccaneer Track & Field Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 5 with running events slated to begin at 8:00 a.m. CT and the field events featuring a 9:00 a.m. start.
Photo by TTU Track & Field
