WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Jan. 31, 2015) – The ETSU track & field program wrapped up competition on Saturday at the Hilton Garden Innvitational with Keturah Williams (Alpharetta, Ga.) and Dede Edgecombe (Spartanburg, S.C.) both turning in solid performances in their respective event finals inside JDL Fast Track Indoor Track & Field Facility.

After racing to a 7.74 time in the women’s 60-meter dash preliminary and semifinal races, junior sprinter Williams continued the momentum into the finals on Saturday. The Georgia native raced to an improved fourth-place finish in the event finals with a time of 7.71. Speed Elite runner LaKaya Brookins took first place with a time of 7.52.

Also looking to build off of a strong showing in preliminary action, senior hurdler Edgecombe aimed for improvement in the 60-meter hurdle in a very competitive field of participants. In the event semis, the senior raced to a 8.48 time to qualify for the finals. The only American collegiate competitor in a field of eight, the native South Carolinian improved from her previous times with an 8.43 time to finish sixth in the final.

The ETSU track & field program will host its second meet of the season next week, the 2015 Buccaneer Invitational, Feb. 6 – 7, inside the ETSU/MSHA Athletics Center on David E. Walker Track at Gentry Field. Click on the links for meet information and schedule.    

Comments from ETSU Director of Track & Field George Watts

“We had a solid meet this weekend and hope to build on it going forward.”

“Dede Edgecombe and Keturah Williams continue to run consistent times and both made the final in very competitive fields. Our women's 4x400m relay showed signs of improvement and they must continue to get better prior to the conference championship. We have healthy competition from seven-to-eight women for the four spots on that relay.  We had big improvements from Macy Carrier and Victoria Hutchens in the 5k and Sarah Zimmer in the 3k.  Lisa Pallotta in the 800m and the mile, and Carolyn Hinch in the 800m are close to having big breakthroughs soon. Nicki Smith showed promise in her 400m races as she begins to transition to the 800m and the 400m hurdles.”

“Our field event women are making some adjustments in their training and should get back on track in time for our second home meet.”

“Our men's team struggled a bit this weekend, but we did have some highlights. Our distance guys had some personal bests led by Angus Baldwin in the 3000m run.  Our sprinters struggled some, but I am confident they will be much sharper this coming weekend. Like the women, the field-event men are making some technical adjustments and it will take some time to iron out the changes.”

“I'm looking forward to our second home meet and expect the kids will be ready to perform. We will recognize our seniors on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. prior to the start of the final running events. We are very proud of their accomplishments and contributions to the program and they deserve to be recognized.”       

For more information about ETSU track & field, please visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the track & field links.

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