By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

MURRAY, Ky. – The Tennessee Tech outdoor track & field team officially kicked off the 2022 campaign Friday, competing in the Margaret Simmons Invitational at the Marshall Gage Track at Roy Stewart Stadium.

It was a relatively light load for the Golden Eagles on the first of the two days of competition, with the purple and gold competing in just two events as a warm-up for a slew of action set for Saturday. Tech saw performances in both the 200-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles.

Five Golden Eagle runners took the track for the 200-meter, led by junior Anya Akili. The veteran turned in a top-15 finish in a massive field, clocking in at 25.72 seconds. Sophomore Trenia Stephens finished with a time of 26.02 in her first career attempt at the race.

Also setting personal records in their first-ever try at the 200-meter dash were rookies Amara Nwajagu, with a mark of 26.49 seconds, and Kategie Casseus, turning in a time of 26.60 seconds. Ashtin Holman rounded out the quintet, finishing in 26.58 seconds.

Freshman Diamond Rush took her first crack at the 400-meter hurdles, delivering an impressive first result to kickstart her outdoor career. The youngster placed fifth overall, dashing to a time of 1:08.27.

Action at the Margaret Simmons Invitational will wrap up on Saturday, starting with field events at 9:30 a.m. and running events commencing at 12:00 p.m.

File photo by Alex Boggis, UT Martin Media Relations