The Collegio Pittsburg's student voice since 1916
Curtis Meyer reporter
Coming off a long break, the Gorillas didn’t miss a beat last Friday, as they hosted the Rumble in the Jungle invitational. It was a strong showing for both men’s and women’s teams, as they dominated the competition and rolled along to a first-place finish.
It has already been a strong start for the Gorillas, as they are preparing for the MIAA Championships in less than a month. Strong expectations have been placed on both teams this year, and so far, the Gorillas have risen to the occasion.
On the men’s side, the team compiled 214 points as they took home the gold. It was more than double second place Harding University with 103 points. Pitt State took home five different individual titles and 12 NCAA qualifying marks, with senior distance runner Mason Strader setting a new meet record in the 3,000 meters.
His mark was the second fastest time in school history, while junior distance runner Braden Zaner captured second with the fourth fastest time in school history. Freshman sprinter Caden Williams led the way in the 600-yard run with a new fastest meet time, while also helping win the 4×400 meter relay along with junior sprinter Dapriest Hogans, junior sprinter Wyon Chatman, and senior sprinter Bailey Stone.
Junior thrower Cole Sample claimed first in both the weight throw and in the shot put, while senior thrower Sam Thimmesch took second in shot put and third in weight throw. Sophomore thrower Jack Haukap took second in weight throw as well.
Junior hurdler Daylin Williams finished first in the 60-meter hurdles, rounding out the individual victories for the men’s side. Junior teammate Hunter Jones captured third in the discipline. Senior jumper Treyvon Fergueson also took second in the triple jumps.
On the women’s side it was just as successful, as they claimed first with 212 points, beating second place Academy of Arts (78 points). The women took six different event titles as well as another dozen NCAA qualifying marks in the victory.
Junior pole vaulter Kyla Davis took home the gold while also breaking the Pitt State record in the pole vault competition. Senior Jumper Erica Schamel finished first for Pitt State in the high jump, while senior Tayla Nelloms took home the gold in the triple jump while also taking third in school history.
Sophomore thrower Abby Lasiter claimed first in the weight throw, while sophomore sprinter Olivia Lowrey won the 600 yard run. Sophomore hurdler Blakelee Winn also won the 60-meter hurdles with a new personal best.
Junior thrower Octavia Duncan was second in the weight throw, while junior jumper Haleigh Hadley was second in the high jump. Senior pole vaulter Shelbi Day took second in the pole vault, while sophomore sprinter Taniya Looney claimed second in the 200 meters. Sophomore runner Kinleigh Hall was second in the 600 yards, while junior runner Claire Bruening was second in the 800 meters.
The track team will host the Pittsburg State and Wendy’s Invitational on Jan. 27.