Carolina Wins Twice to Open Spec Towns Invitational
Hall, Randrianasolo post NCAA top-20 marks
ATHENS, Ga. — The University of South Carolina track & field team was in familiar territory Friday as the Gamecocks opened their weekend at the 2019 Spec Towns Invitational. Gamecock All-Americans Quincy Hall and Yann Randrianasolo led the squad on Friday, each winning an event on the opening day of the University of Georgia’s annual meet.
Overall, the Gamecocks finished Friday with seven podium efforts.
Hall’s first 400m hurdles time as a Gamecock was a strong one, as the former US and Pan American junior champion broke the tape in 50.34. That’s the fourth-best time in the NCAA this season and also ranks ninth in Carolina program history. Rivaldo Leacock (51.86) and Noah Walker (53.16) took third and fourth, respectively.
Three weeks after setting a career best in the triple jump in Orlando, Randrianasolo took part in his first outdoor long jump of 2019. The senior won the competition with a mark of 7.66m (25-1 ¾), which ranks 17th on the 2019 NCAA leaderboard.
Malik Paul got the Carolina day started with a personal best in the men’s hammer throw. His effort of 52.44m (172-0) was good for sixth place in Athens and fourth among collegians.
Amanda Murphy added a fifth-place result in the women’s hammer throw. One week after going over 54 meters for the first time, Murphy finished fifth with an effort of 53.23m (174-7)
Carolina’s distance crew continued their strong 2019 campaign seasons with three PR runs in the 1500m. Anna Kathryn Stoddard finished second, and her mark of 4:31.59 ranks ninth in program history. Maryah Nasir ran the 10th-fastest time in school history, finishing third at the event with a time of 4:32.46. Last but not least, Heather Stone placed sixth in 4:35.03.
Freshman Mathilde Coquillaud-Salomon posted her best day as a Gamecock in the women’s 400m hurdles. The French national team member ran 1:01.27, a new personal record, to finish second overall and first among college entrants.
Hailey Sweatman was the last Gamecock in action on Friday, and she capped the day with one final podium finish. The Charleston, S.C., native finished third in the women’s pole vault, clearing 3.95m (12-11 ½).
FROM THE COACH
“Quincy ran an easy 50.34. He’s still rounding into form, and I was excited to see him post that kind of time when he’s still finding himself. It’s also a very tight track. He’s got the potential to run really fast.
“Yann had a really good jump. He’s been a little dinged up, but to get a win when you’re working through some stuff is great. That mark will get him into regionals, and he’s going to continue to get better.
“Our distance team continues to really make me proud. They have a great training group and great chemistry. They work together, and they hold each other to high standards. I continue to enjoy watching them get better every week.
“Tomorrow, I want to see us continue to enjoy ourselves. Four weeks into the outdoor season, our kids are tired, but they enjoy being together, and they’re posting good marks. I’m hoping we can get a couple more qualifying marks tomorrow and some more victories.”- Head Coach Curtis Frye
UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS
The Spec Towns Invitational concludes on Saturday in Athens, with the first event beginning at 9 a.m.
| FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019 • SPEC TOWNS INVITATIONAL • MEN’S RESULTS | ||
| Hammer Throw | ||
| 6. Malik Paul | 52.44m | 172-0 | |
| Pole Vault | ||
| –. Armand Woodley | NH | |
| –. Bryce Simpson | NH | |
| Lewis Gainey Long Jump | ||
| 1. Yann Randrianasolo | 7.66m | 25-1 3/4 | |
| 6. Tyler Jones | 7.07m | 23-2 1/2 | |
| 400m Hurdles | ||
| 1. Quincy Hall | 50.34 | |
| 3. Rivaldo Leacock | 51.86 | |
| 4. Noah Walker | 53.16 | |
| FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019 • SPEC TOWNS INVITATIONAL • WOMEN’S RESULTS | ||
| Hammer Throw | ||
| 5. Amanda Murphy | 53.23m | 174-7 | |
| Pole Vault | ||
| 3. Hailey Sweatman | 3.95m | 12-11 1/2 | |
| –. Adele Blalock | NH | |
| Lewis Gainey Long Jump | ||
| 8. Makyla Stanley | 5.88m | 19-3 1/2 | |
| 1500m | ||
| 2. Anna Kathryn Stoddard | 4:31.59 | |
| 3. Maryah Nasir | 4:32.46 | |
| 6. Heather Stone | 4:35.03 | |
| 400m Hurdles | ||
| 2. Mathilde Coquillaud-Salomon | 1:01.27 | |
