University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
A-10 Outdoor Championships
Spider Track & Field Starts Strong At A-10 Championships
05/03/2015 | Women's Track & Field
FAIRFAX, Va. – The University of Richmond Spiders track and field team got off to an excellent start at the Atlantic 10 Outdoor Championship meet on Saturday at George Mason University.
After the first day of competition, the Spiders sit in seventh place with a total of 15 points. George Mason leads the 13-team field heading in to Sunday's final day with 43 points.
Janel Francis led the team's success, as she dominated the long jump early Saturday afternoon to win the A-10 title. Her jump of 6.15 meters broke the previously school record of 6.12 recorded in 2001. This performance places her among the top 20 jumpers in the region. Francis continued her stellar performance when running the 100 meters, placing second in her heat and earning a place in tomorrow's final.
"Janel has just really developed for us as an athlete, and we are just so happy for her," coach Lori Taylor remarked. "It was a quality performance. She's having a great meet and that's exciting for her and our team."
Jade Gregory and Deb Fajuyigbe also earned the chance to run tomorrow, as Gregory won her 400 meter heat and Fajuyigbe took second to qualify. Fajuyigbe also qualified for the 200 meter finals.
Sophomore Sarah Timko broke another school record Saturday afternoon, as she pole vaulted for a height of 3.50 meters to finish ninth. The previous program record of 3.45 was earned in 2012.
The Spiders were also able to earn points in the distance events. Kelly Bailey achieved a personal best of 11:29.57 with her eighth place finish in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. Emma Nowak also finished the event with a personal best, running for 11.57.36.
Jill Prentice concluded a strong first day for Richmond with the 10,000 meter run, where she placed fifth.
"We are in a good place, and the girls are ready to make big things happen tomorrow,” Taylor said following the first day of competition.
The team will be back in action Sunday morning at 10:30 am, where they will compete in the 4x100 relay.
For all the latest news and coverage on Richmond Track and Field, be sure to go to RichmondSpiders.com.
More in-depth coverage can be found by following head coach Steve Taylor on Twitter and by reading his blog. The Spiders also have their own Facebook and Instagram pages and have also launched their own YouTube Channel.
Players Mentioned
