Lakehawk Track & Field Delivers Standout Performances at Legends of Alachua County Meet
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Track & Field) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) Track & Field teams delivered another standout performance this weekend at the Legends of Alachua County meet in Gainesville, Fla. The Lakehawks continue to build momentum, showing the results of their hard work and dedication.
The men's team put together an impressive set of performances across multiple events.
Devonte Hanson ran a strong 60M, finishing in 7.30. He came back with a huge performance in the Long Jump, hitting a mark of 6.94m (22'9.25"), for a new personal record (PR) and school record, placing third overall and now ranking 19th nationally.
Jaabir Taylor showed improvement from last week in the 200M, running a PR of 23.57.
Connor Parrish had a breakthrough race in the mile, running a PR of 4:44.50. Bryce Blalock also had a major improvement in the mile, running 4:56.85 for an eight-second PR.
The 800m was one of the most exciting events of the day.
Kenyon Wells ran in his first 800M, pacing himself well and finishing strong in 1:57.65, placing 18th overall. Meanwhile, Spencer Palmer, William Petersen, and Thatcher Clarke raced together in the same heat.
With Palmer taking an aggressive start and leading the field early, he went on to finish with a new school record of 1:57.13, placing 16th overall. Petersen also ran a strong race, setting a PR of 2:00.92.
The team's effort in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) was another highlight, dropping an incredible 17 seconds from their previous time to finish in 10:33.68. This performance placed them fourth overall across all divisions and secured a national ranking of 10th.
The women's team continued to showcase their talent and improvement with multiple PRs and national rankings.
Jaden Miller had another outstanding meet, advancing to the final rounds of the Long Jump with a mark of 5.23m (17'2"), placing 6th overall and now ranks 19th national.
Oksanna Smith made her debut in the 600M, finishing with an impressive time of 1:43.64, placing 7th overall and earning a national ranking of 10th. She followed up with a strong 400M race, finishing in 1:02.35.
Sade Lee had a huge personal best in the 600M, running 1:46.69, placing eighth overall and moving into the 15th national ranking.
In the sprints, Sydnee Massey had a huge breakthrough in the 60M, setting a new PR of 8.59. She followed with another PR in the 200M, finishing in 28.19.
Nasjai White also showed improvement, running 27.94 in the 200M, continuing to refine her execution and race strategy.
Head coach Cristy Snellgroves expressed her excitement for the team's performance, "I am so proud of these athletes and the progress they continue to make. Each week they are pushing themselves beyond their limits, making technical adjustments, and executing their races with more confidence."
"Seeing them set personal bests, improve their national rankings, and race with determination is incredibly exciting. The dedication they bring to practice is showing up in competition, and we are building something special"
"This is just the beginning, and I can't wait to see what they achieve next," said Coach Snellgroves.
The Lakehawks continue to prove themselves with every meet, showing growth, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. With national rankings and impressive performances, they are setting the stage for a successful finish to the indoor season.
Men's Results
Devonte Hanson, 60M – 7.30
Jaabir Taylor, 200M – 23.57
Luca Watson, 400M – 54.51
Luca Watson, 600M – 1:30.01 (PR)
Spencer Palmer, 800M – 1:57.13 (School Record)
Kenyon Wells, 800M – 1:57.65
William Petersen, 800M – 2:00.92 (PR)
Thatcher Clarke, 800M – 2:01.57
Connor Parrish, Mile – 4:44.50 (PR)
Bryce Blalock, Mile – 4:56.85 (PR)
Owen Kingery, Mile – 5:15.11
Connor Parrish, 5000M – 17:11.79
Devonte Hanson, Long Jump – 6.94m / 22' 9.25" (3rd Place, PR, School Record)
Thatcher Clarke, Kenyon Wells, William Peterson, Spencer Palmer, DMR – 10:33.68 (4th Place, School Record)
Women's Results
Sydnee Massey, 60M – 8.59 (PR)
Nasjai White, 200M – 27.94
Sydnee Massey, 200M – 28.19 (PR)
Oksanna Smith, 400M – 1:02.35
Oksanna Smith, 600M – 1:43.64 (7th place, School Record)
Sade Lee, 600M – 1:46.69 (8th Place, PR)
Jaden Miller, Long Jump – 5.23m / 17' 2" (6th Place)