Watkins currently in third in heptathlon with 2607 points

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 19, 2015) – Sophomore Nathan Rivera (Knoxville, Tenn.) turned in a score of 3460 in Thursday’s men’s decathlon events to lead the field on day one at the Charlotte 49er Classic at the Bell Track & Field Center.

On the women’s side, freshman Adriana Watkins (Kingsport, Tenn.) posted a point total of 2607 in Thursday’s heptathlon events and presently sits in third place.

Rivera placed among the top three in four of Thursday’s five events including taking the top spot in the high jump with a leap of 1.92 meters. Also competing on the men’s side, freshman Ben Johnson (Nashville, Tenn.) did not complete the five events due to injury but did take first in the shot put with a throw of 11.92 meters.

ETSU’s lone representative in the heptathlon, Watkins placed in the top three in two of Thursday’s four events; highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.15.

Action will pick back up on Friday with the women’s hammer throw at 11 a.m. Running events will start at 1 p.m. with the women’s 100-meter hurdles and will continue throughout the afternoon and into the night. The men’s 5000-meter run will wrap up action on Friday at 9:15 p.m. On Saturday, competition will commence at 10 a.m. with the men’s shot put, while running events will begin at noon with the 4x100-meter relay. Action at the 49er Classic will wrap up with the 4x400-meter relays at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Results and recaps of ETSU’s performances at the Charlotte 49er Classic can be found at the end of each day by logging onto ETSUBucs.com. Visit Charlotte49ers.com for more information about the meet.

Comments from ETSU Director of Track & Field George Watts

“Today’s competition was successful as our three multi-event athletes competed in the first day of their event.”  

“Nathan Rivera had a nice day and leads the competition with a day one decathlon personal best score. I feel confident he will follow that up with a solid day tomorrow.”

“Ben Johnson had an injury that has forced him out of most of the competition. He will work on his throwing events during the remainder of the decathlon.”

“Adriana Watkins performed well on day one in her first heptathlon. She currently sits third and has some strong events on day two of the heptathlon.”

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