JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 15, 2016) –The ETSU track & field program returned to action Friday in its second consecutive home meet at the ETSU/MSHA Athletics Center on David E. Walker Track at Gentry Field. The Bucs were led by senior Tyesha Jones (Nashville, Tenn.) who not only posted ETSU’s best finish of the day (third in the weight throw) but also notched another top 10 finish in the shot finishing in eighth place.

“I was pleased with the overall effort of our teams today,” said ETSU Director of Track & Field/Cross Country George Watts. “We've definitely made progress from last week’s meet, but we have a long way to go before we get to the conference championship.”

In addition to Jones’ work with the weights, the Buccaneers picked up nine additional top 10 finishes with the best coming in the men’s pole vault where Knoxville, Tenn. native Ben McKay finished fourth. Meanwhile on the track, most of the running events held Friday were preliminary races to decide who will compete in the finals of the events Saturday. Three Bucs, Michael Williams (Mt. Laurel, N.J.), Kyra Atkins (Greer, S.C.) and Kiana Davis (Ooletewah, Tenn.), all advanced to the finals in their respective events Saturday after finishing in the top eight overall in their given contest. Williams and Atkins will both compete in the 60m hurdles, while Davis will try to win the 60m dash title.

“I was pleased with the group effort of the hurdlers,” said Watts. “Leading the way were Kyra Atkins and Mike Williams as they will represent the Bucs in the finals of the 60 meter hurdles tomorrow.” 

Even though the results Friday were good, Coach Watts still thinks there is room for improvement.

“It's important for our younger kids to realize that although their marks aren't quite where they want them to be yet, they are improving on the little things that will make them better,” remarked Watts. “I know our kids want to do well and I look forward to watching them compete on day two of the ETSU Invitational”

The meet will resume bright and early Saturday morning with events beginning at 8 a.m. and will wrap up around 7:30 p.m. Live results will be available tomorrow at timinginc.com and by clicking on the “Live Results” link. Tickets for tomorrow are $5 and available on the west side/third level of the Mini Dome. Parking is available for fans on campus in Lot 22.

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