Track and Field: Men's
Track and Field: Women's
Lions break records at Penn State National meet
The track and field team had a productive weekend to say the least at the Horace Ashenfelter III Indoor track facility, hosting the annual Penn State National meet. The team picked up a few records, and had many members of the team pick up personal, facility, and collegiate bests in different categories.
Friday’s action was headlined by the men’s foursome of Emunael Mpanduki, Matt Gilmore, Brandon Bennett-Green, and Aaron Nadolsky, who set a collegiate record for the 4x200 meter relay. Their time of 1:24.70 beat the prior record holder, Rutgers, who had a time of 1:25.05, set in 2007.
There were also records set by the field contingent of the team. Junior Will Barr had a school record of 67-3.50 (20.51) in the weight throw, which is also the second best in the NCAA this year.
Mahagony Jones, Sancho Barrett, Brittney Howell, and Emily Giannotti each also picked up either an event victory, or set a personal best for their event.
On Saturday, the Lions picked up where they left off on Friday as they continued winning events and setting records.
Casimir Loxsom was at it again, as he demolished the competition in the 600 meter dash, finishing with a time of 1:15.79. That time was only slightly above the American 600 record, which had been set mere hours earlier.
Freshman Brannon Kidder became the fourth Penn Stater, and the seventh consecutive Penn State National participant to break a four-minute mile, as he led the pack with a time of 3:59.48.
Twins Bernard and Brandon Bennett-Green picked up a win each in their respective heats of the 400-meter dash.
The field also had notable results, as Marlene Ricketts won the women’s triple jump, and set a personal record with a 42-2.25 (12.86). Sean Reilly also was a victor in the men’s high jump.
Penn State class of 2007 alum and 2012 Olympian Shana Cox returned to her home track, and won the invitational women’s 400-meter dash.
The meet ended on a bit of a down-note for the Nittany Lions, as the men's 4x400 meter relay “JoePA Inv” team of Mpunduki, Bennett-Green, Bennett-Green, and Luxsom that otherwise likely would have set a record, accidentally dropped the relay baton near the end of the race, and was forced to take a DNF for the event.