Jan. 16, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – South Carolina redshirt sophomore Michael Zajac picked up his first provisional mark of the year in the weight throw as the No. 16 Gamecock men and women began the 2009 indoor season Friday at the Kentucky Invitational.
Zajac set a personal best as he took third in the men’s weight throw with a toss of 64-7 (19.68m), topping his 2008 best of 63-3 ¼ by more than a foot. The mark is the first provisional qualifying mark of the year for the Gamecocks as Zajac, an NCAA qualifier last year in the hammer, improved upon his mark that earned him fourth at the SEC Indoor Championships last season.
A trio of Gamecock women finished third, fourth and fifth in the pole vault as Sallie Gurganus and Liza Todd both cleared 12-1 ½ (3.70m) while freshman Allison Nicosia came in fifth in her first collegiate event at 11-7 ¾ (3.50m).
Sophomore Shantelle Patterson set a collegiate best 48-0 (14.63m) to place 17th in the women’s weight throw. On the men’s side, redshirt junior Jeff Merkt also set a personal best in the men’s weight throw at 51-3 ¾ (15.64m) while senior David Zaycek took 17th at 52-0 ½ (15.86m).
Freshman Radiance Basden was the sole Gamecock woman to compete in the triple jump, taking 11th in her collegiate debut at 37-10 ½ (11.54m). Aaron Searles competed on the men’s side, successfully landing at 44-4 ¼ (13.52) for 15th place.
Scott Pierce cleared 6-0 ½ (1.84m) to lead the Gamecock men in the high jump.
Aimee Kodat, Zajac and Zaycek were also scheduled to compete in the women’s and men’s discus throws that continued competition late into Friday night.
South Carolina returns to action Saturday with the women’s high jump scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. The final event is scheduled for a 5:05 p.m. start as the Gamecocks conclude competition at the Kentucky Invitational.
Women’s Pole Vault
3. Sallie Gurganus – 12-1.25
4. Liza Todd – 12-1.25
5. Allison Nicosia – 11-7.75
14. CaAdrian Norman – 10-2
Women’s Weight Throw
17. Shantelle Patterson – 48-0 PR
Women’s Triple Jump
11. Radiance Basden – 37-10.50
Men’s Weight Throw
3. Michael Zajac – 64-7 PR
17. David Zaycek – 52-0.25
18. Jeff Merkt – 51-3.25 PR
Men’s Triple Jump
15. Aaron Searles – 44-4.25
Men’s High Jump
21. Scott Pierce – 6-0.25
