By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech outdoor track & field team got off to a strong start on day one of the UAB Spring Invite Friday evening, with members of the long-distance crew and jumps team leading the way for the purple and gold.
It was veteran Rahab Sawe delivering the top result on the first day of action at the UAB Track & Field Complex, competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. One week after producing at a career-best pace in the event, she turned in an even better showing, placing second among eight competitors with a personal record of 11:39.66.
The distance squad enjoyed a strong day with three more great showings in the 1,500-meter run, led by sophomore Amanda Laboy. The youngster finished third overall among a field of 42 competitors, clocking in with a PR of 4:47.58 in her first career attempt at the event.
Also debuting in the 1,500-meter was Helen Pacurariu-Nagy, placing fourth just behind her teammate. She produced a personal-record time of 4:49.02. Maddie Long rounded out the trio with a top-15 showing, completing the event with a career-best time of 5:04.68 in her debut race.
In the long jump, veteran Anya Akili paced the Golden Eagle effort, wrapping up the day sixth overall amongst 24 individuals. She put forth a leap of 5.37 meters (17'7.50"), just one inch off her career-high performance. Samaria Allen posted a top-15 showing as well with a jump of 4.92 meters (16'1.75").
Also representing the purple and gold at the UAB Spring Invite was a quartet of student-athletes from the Tech men's cross country team. All competing in the 1,500-meter run, Miceal McCaul led the group with a ninth-place showing and a time of 4:03.10.
Chase Fuadi turned in a showing of 4:05.81 to finish 12th while Nick Beattie clocked in at 4:06.83 for a 16th-place performance. Robert Dawson completed the group, concluding things with a 4:08.49 and top-20 finish.
Day two of the UAB Spring Invite is set to commence Saturday morning, with both field and running events slated to kick off at 9:00 a.m. CT.
Photos by TTU Track & Field
