Lakehawk Track & Field Opens 2025 Season at Jimmy Carnes Invite
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Track & Field) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) Track & Field teams opened the 2025 season at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational on Friday. For many Lakehawks, this marked their first competing at an indoor track while others had the opportunity to establish never-before-set school records.
During the track & field season, for both indoor and the upcoming outdoor season, the Lakehawks will be competing against NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA, and professional athletes.
Jumps
In the men's high jump, freshman Aidan Wadsworth cleared 1.85m (6' 0.75"), finishing ninth and establishing an indoor school record in the event.
The men's long jump featured an impressive performance from freshman Devonte Hanson, who placed 12th with a leap of 6.78m (22' 3"), also recording a school record.
Freshman Jaden Miller excelled in both the women's long jump and triple jumps, establishing school records for both events.
With a mark of 5.26m (17'2.35"), she took 19th place in the long jump. Also showcasing her skill in the triple jump, a leap of 10.66m (34'11.75") gave her a 15th place finish in the event.
Sprints
The men's sprinters excelled, with school records being set in both the 200-meter and 300-meter.
In the 200M, freshman Kenyon Wells ran 23.25 to place 40th, while teammate Hanson clocked 23.44 for 45th. Wells' time of 23.25 established a new school record in the event.
Sophomore Jaabir Taylor took 10th in the 300M with a time of 36.73, setting a new school record for the event.
In the 60-meter, Miller led the team with a time of 8.13, setting a new school record and finishing 35th overall. Sophomore Nasjai White followed closely, clocking 8.32 in a consistent showing. Freshman Sydnee Massey also competed and recorded a time of 8.70.
In the 400-meter, freshman Oksanna Smith impressed with a strong debut, running 1:02.12 to finish 21st, setting another school record for the team.
Distance
The men's distance team showed grit and determination in the mile and 800-meter.
Spencer Palmer ran 4:29.72 in the mile, earning 38th place and setting a new school record in the event. He was followed by Thatcher Clarke (4:43.17, 49th), Connor Parrish (4:48.66, 55th), and Bryce Blalock (5:05.84, 66th).
In the 800-meter, William Petersen also set a school record with his 28th-place time of 2:01.60. Teammate Luca Watson ran 2:13.56 to finish 46th.
The women's distance events were led by freshman Sade Lee, who ran 2:40.82 in the 800M to set a new school record and establish a benchmark for the season.
Coach's Comments
"The Lakehawks' performances set a strong foundation for the rest of the season, with invaluable experience gained. I am excited to see this men's team develop and continue the momentum forward," said head coach Cristy Snellgroves.
"The women's team demonstrated a mix of talent and potential, with some athletes breaking school records while others adjusted to the challenges of indoor competition. Their promising start sets the stage for continued improvement and success in the upcoming meets," said Coach Snellgroves.
Men's Results
Kenyon Wells, 200M – 23.25 (School Record)
Jaabir Taylor, 300M – 36.73
William Petersen, 800M – 02:01.6 (School Record)
Luca Watson, 800M – 02:13.6
Spencer Palmer, Mile – 04:29.7 (School Record)
Thatcher Clarke, Mile – 04:43.2
Connor Parrish, Mile – 04:48.7
Aidan Wadsworth, High Jump – 1.85m / 6' 0.75"
Devonte Hanson, Long Jump – 6.78m / 22' 3"
Aidan Wadsworth, Long Jump – 6.01m / 19' 8.75"
Luca Watson, Long Jump – 5.10m / 16' 8.75"
Women's Results
Jaden Miller, 60M – 8.13 (School Record)
Nasjai White, 60M – 8.32
Sydnee Massey, 60M – 8.70
Brooke Filetti, 300M – 46.85
Oksanna Smith, 400M – 1:02.1 (School Record)
Sade Lee, 800M – 2:40.8 (School Record)
Jaden Miller, Long Jump – 5.26m / 17' 3.25"
Jaden Miller, Triple Jump – 10.66m / 34' 11.75"
Up Next for the Lakehawks
Lakehawk Track & Field will travel to Gainesville, Fla. on Friday, Jan. 24 for the RADD Sports College Invite.
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