Feb. 13, 2009
CLEMSON, S.C. – South Carolina sophomore thrower Michael Zajac threw a personal best 66-04.25 (20.22m) and won the men’s weight throw to lead the Gamecock field athletes in day one action at the Tiger Paw Invitational on the campus of Clemson University.
Zajac’s throw marked his third provisional toss of the year and was almost two feet farther than his previous personal best, set in the season opener this year at the Tom Jones Memorial Classic. Carolina’s other winner of the day was junior pole vaulter Sallie Gurganus who cleared a season best 12-08.25 (3.87m) in the women’s pole vault.
Also in the pole vault, Liza Todd took third at 12-04.50 (3.77) and teammates Allison Nicosia and Vica Shobe tied for eighth at 11-04.50 (3.47m).
Searra Jones jumped a season best 16-02.25 (4.96m) in the women’s long jump to place 20th. In the women’s 800m, Erin Fedewa ran a 2:20.00 to place 11th for her best time of the year. Both men’s long jumpers notched season best jumps as Aaron Searles and Jarrett Gerald took seventh and eighth, respectively. Searles jumped a 21-10.75 (6.67m) and Gerald jumped a 21-08.00 (6.60m).
Along with Zajac in the weight throw, Jeff Merkt tossed a personal best 55-03.75 (16.86m) to take 11th in the event.
South Carolina continues action at the Tiger Paw Invitational tomorrow beginning with the women’s shot put at 9 a.m. ET.
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FRIDAY, FEB. 13 – WOMEN | ||
W-Pole Vault (Auto: 4.20, Prov: 3.95) 5:00 p.m. | ||
1. Sallie Gurganus | 12-08.25 (3.87m) SB | |
3. Liza Todd | 12-04.50 (3.77m) | |
T8. Allison Nicosia | 11-04.50 (3.47m) | |
T8.Vica Shobe | 11-04.50 (3.47m) | |
17. Jocelyn Henline | 10-10.75 (3.32m) | |
W-Long Jump (Auto: 6.35, Prov: 6.10) 6:00 p.m. | ||
20. Searra Jones | 16-02.25 (4.96m) SB | |
W-800m (Auto: 2:05.00, Prov: 2:09.00) 8:35 p.m. | ||
11. Erin Fedewa | 2:20.00 SB | |
15. Laura Pramstaller | 2:22.93 | |
FRIDAY, FEB. 13 – MEN | ||
M-Long Jump (Auto: 7.85, Prov: 7.50) 5:00 p.m. | ||
7. Aaron Searles | 21-10.75 (6.67m) SB | |
8. Jarrett Gerald | 21-08.00 (6.60m) SB | |
M-400m (Auto: 46.15, Prov: 47.25) 7:05 p.m. | ||
19. Michael Varner | 51.59 | |
32. Steve Hunsaker | 53.48 | |
40. Keith Romero | 54.67 | |
M-Weight Throw Prelims (Auto: 21.50, Prov: 19.50) 7:30 p.m. | ||
1. Michael Zajac | 64-11.50 (19.80m) PRO | |
11. Jeff Merkt | 55-03.75 (16.86m) SB, PR | |
15. David Zaycek | 50-10.75 (15.51m) | |
M-Weight Throw Finals (Auto: 21.50, Prov: 19.50) 7:30 p.m. | ||
1. Michael Zajac | 66-04.25 (20.22m) PRO, PR | |
M-5000m (Auto: 13:47.00, Prov: 14:10.00) 7:55 p.m. | ||
12. Daniel Smoak | 16:11.43 |