Augusta track dominates in Atlanta before PBC championships
By Justin Brosemer | Sports writer
The Augusta University men and women’s track and field teams shined in both the Georgia Tech and Life University meets in Atlanta on April 16-17.
“We know starting every season we are behind other teams due to no indoor season,” Coach Adam Ward stated. “So it’s takes us a few weeks to find a groove, get our competitive instincts and race fitness back. I think we are in our stride heading into the PBC Championship.”
The men’s track and field team had strong showings at both events, most notably Hunter Kimball breaking the previous school record in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 14:26.61, earning him third place in the event. He leads the PBC in the 5,000 this spring and ranks 32nd in NCAA Division II overall.
The record-breaking would not stop there, however, with the Jaguars’ Mackenzie Taylor breaking two records of her own over both competitions. For her initial record-breaking performance, Taylor ran 17:22.07 in the 5,000 meter, earning her a seventh-place finish at the Georgia Tech Invitational. For her next one, Taylor took first in the 1,500-meter run at the Life University Invitational and broke her own school record with a time of 4:44.99.. She has the best time in the 5,000 and second-best in the 1,500 in the PBC this spring.
“I don’t think you ever get used to breaking a record,” Taylor said. “Every time it happens, it feels like I have done it for the first time. It’s always surreal and rewarding. I love the feeling and it keeps me hungry to train harder.”
Other notable finishes derived from familiar faces such as Hans Troyer impressive finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:22.61, earning him fourth place in his event and second overall in the PBC. Derrian Wright finished second in the 800 meters with a time of 1:53.03, gaining him the second place in the PBC in the 800. Chase Kennedy took the win in the men’s 5,000, finishing with the time 15:50.80.
The Jaguars would not stop their domination over the weekend there as Priscilla Ajala finished third in the 400-meter run with a time of 1:02.83. Jaelen Alexander ran a personal record in the 800-meter run in 2:24.18 to finish fourth. Jayla Ferris rounded out the women runners with a fourth overall finish in the 400 in 1:02.83.
“This last weekend just shows that patience, dedication and the sticking to the process pays off,” Ward said. “Now we just need to remain healthy heading into conference and avoid overtraining.”
Ward and the Jaguars now prepare for the Peach Belt Conference Championships on April 30-May 1, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
“Getting to this point in the season has been filled with ups and downs, but we have hit a good groove the last few weeks,” Ward said. “Many individuals have put themselves in position to contend for a title. We are too shorthanded for the team aspect, but I think we will see many personal bests and individual accolades. Everyone is excited and ready to go.”
Contact Justin Brosemer at JBROSEMER@augusta.edu.
