Three Facility Records Highlight Day One of the Virginia Challenge
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The Virginia Challenge opened competition Friday at Lannigan Field on the grounds of the University of Virginia with strong performances, including three facility records. The meet features over 1,300 athletes from 35 schools.
The Lannigan Field record fell in both 3000m steeplechase races. On the men's side, Ole Hesselbjerg of Eastern Kentucky ran 8:33.78, the fastest time in the nation this year, to break a facility record that had stood 33 years. Reigning women's NCAA Champion Leah O'Connor of Michigan State set a facility record with a time of 9:41.88, winning by 20 seconds over Virginia's Iona Lake.
Michigan State's Katelyn Daniels won the women's discus with a Lannigan Field record throw of 56.04m (183-10).
A pair of indoor All-Americans shined in the 800m against elite fields, with Monmouth's Dylan Capwell of Monmouth winning the men's race in 1:48.70 and Hanna Green of Virginia Tech winning the women's race in 2:03.27.
The host Cavaliers had an impressive showing in the men's discus, with 2014 All-American Filip Mihaljevic winning with a school-record throw of 61.52m (201-10), finishing just ahead of teammate Jordan Young, who threw 59.88m (196-5). It was one of three school records on the day for Virginia at their home track.
Former Pitt standout Brycen Spratling, now running for NYAC, defended his 400m crown at the Virginia Challenge by crossing in 46.08 to edge a pair of North Carolina stars, Ceo Ways and Sean Sutton.
The meet concludes Saturday with action running all day from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Story provided by UVA & Steve Kirkland