Lakehawk Track & Field Makes Successful Appearance at FSU
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Track & Field) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) track & field teams registered a standout performance at the highly competitive Terry Long FSU Relays. This NCAA meet featured qualifying standards and offered student-athletes a challenging environment to compete against top-tier competition.
On Thursday, the women's team saw strong performances. Jaden Miller, marking a school record in the Long Jump, recorded a mark of 5.43m for 10th place.
Oksanna Smith raced in the 400m Hurdles for the first time this season, posting a time of 1:05.49 to finish seventh and set a new school record.
"Oksanna's first hurdle race of the season shows a lot of promise. As we continue to shift her focus to both hurdling technique and endurance, we are excited to see her grow and improve throughout the year."
"Smith currently holds the 10th national ranking in the 400m Hurdles, which is an excellent starting point for what lies ahead," said Head Coach Cristy Snellgroves.
The men's team was equally impressive in the Long Jump and distance races.
Mark Fyffe advanced to the final round in the Long Jump, placing eighth overall with a jump of 7.15m to set a new school record. This performance also places Fyffe fifth nationally.
Devonte Hanson also competed in the Long Jump, finishing 12th with a distance of 6.60m. Chris Morinvil took 14th with a mark of 6.41m.
In the 5000m, William Petersen logged a record-setting performance, finishing with a time of 16:18.61. With continued training, Petersen is expected to drop within the 15-minute range in the event.
Friday was another exciting day of competition for the Lakehawks. Spencer Palmer delivered an outstanding performance in the 800m with a time of 1:54.35, placing third in hit heat and sixth overall.
Palmer fought for a close finish, edging out competitors from Embry-Riddle, Notre Dame, and the University of Florida. He now holds a national ranking of eighth in the event.
"Spencer's 800m was an exciting performance and I could not be prouder of how he has progressed. This is a huge moment for him and the program and it is just the beginning of his potential," said Coach Snellgroves.
Petersen also returned on day two of the meet to compete in the 800m. Logging a time of 1:57.90, he took 14th overall.
Hanson also made a second appearance on the weekend in the 100m. He took 13th with a time of 11.15 seconds.
"Devonte has been working hard, and I know he will continue to improve. He has a strong foundation, and we look forward to seeing him grow as the season progresses."
"We are aiming for faster times as he refines his technique," said Coach Snellgroves.
In the 400m, Smith clocked a time of 59.67. This marks the third time this season, second for outdoor, that she has broken the one-minute barrier.
The meet concluded with an exiting finish for the mean's 4x400m relay team. Fyffe, Kenyon Wells, Morinvil, and Dontae Morris teamed up to win the second heat and place fifth overall in the event with a time of 3:15.96.
In an exhilarating finish, they pulled ahead of Notre Dame to secure a first-place finish in the heat. This performance earned the team a national ranking in the number seven spot while setting a new school record.
"The men's 4x400m relay was absolutely electrifying. These men have been working together as a team, and their chemistry was evident as they surged ahead to secure the win in their heat."
"I am excited to see where they go from here as they push for faster times throughout the season," said Coach Snellgroves.
The Lakehawks will now prep for the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic next weekend on April 4-5 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Full Results
Devonte Hanson, 100m – 11.15
Oksanna Smith, 400m – 59.67 (PR, School Record)
Oksanna Smith, 400m Hurdles – 1:05.49 (School Record)
Spencer Palmer, 800m – 1:54.35
William Petersen, 800m – 1:57.90
William Petersen, 5000m – 16:18.61 (School Record)
Jaden Miller, Long Jump – 5.43m (School Record)
Mark Fyffe, Long Jump – 7.15m (PR, School Record)
Devonte Hanson, Long Jump – 6.60m
Chris Morinvil, Long Jump – 6.41m
Mark Fyffe, Kenyon Wells, Chris Morinvil, Dontae Morris, 4x400m Relay – 3:15.96 (PR, School Record)
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