Mountaineers Shine at the USATF U20 Championships in Eugene, Ore.
EUGENE, Ore. – The energy at the iconic Hayward Field was electric as nine talented Mountaineers represented App State at the USATF U20 Championships on Thursday and Friday. Their impressive performances resulted in three top-five finishes, marking a significant milestone in their young athletic careers.
A Valuable Experience for Future Stars
“It was a great learning experience for the U20 athletes to come out here to historic Hayward Field,” stated Damion McLean, the director of track & field/cross country at App State. “For those who may qualify next year, it will be a different story for them, but this meet is a fantastic opportunity for our newcomers who qualify to build excitement and compete in the Black and Gold while embracing the Mountaineer family.”
Outstanding Performances in the 3,000 Meters
In a breathtaking display of endurance, rising sophomore Henry Stark clocked in at 8:30.53, securing a commendable fourth place in the men’s 3,000 meters. Standing right beside him, fellow sophomore Memphis Rich finished just behind in fifth place with a time of 8:32.46. Both athletes catapulted to fourth and fifth on App State’s all-time list for this distance, reflecting their talented potential.
Rising Freshmen Making Their Mark
The excitement didn’t stop there. Incoming freshmen Bryant Young and Tate Shore demonstrated sheer resilience in the men’s 1,500 meters. Young claimed fourth place with a remarkable time of 3:55.31, while Shore quickly followed in sixth place with 3:55.86. Their performance not only highlighted their abilities but also set the stage for a promising future within the program.
Steeplechase & Jumps: Newcomers Shine
In the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, incoming freshman Allie Kinlaw made her mark with an eighth-place finish, completing the race in 11:15.71. On the men’s side, rising sophomore Thomas Wlazlowski also secured eighth place, finishing strong at 9:18.80. Wlazlowski remains tenth in App State’s all-time list with a personal best of 9:03.65, achieved during the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships held earlier this year.
The Field Events Aglow with Talent
Alana Braxton, another incoming freshman, dazzled in the women’s triple jump with a leap of 12.24m (40′ 2"), securing an impressive eighth position overall. Braxton also competed fiercely in the long jump, placing 11th with a jump of 5.55m (18′ 2.5"), while fellow incoming freshman Kelly MacBride landed in 12th with a leap of 5.25m (17′ 2.75").
Looking Ahead
The results from this year’s championships not only underscore the athletic prowess of these Mountaineers but also set a solid foundation for their future endeavors in the sport. As they move forward, the anticipation grows for what’s next in their athletic journey.
For ongoing coverage of Mountaineer athletics, visit the official App State Athletics site for updates and insights into the upcoming seasons.
Each performance at the USATF U20 Championships amplifies the dedication and passion of these young athletes as they strive for greatness on the track and jump pits. This is just the beginning of their journey, and the Mountaineer spirit is bound to carry them far!
