Williams, Rutz record wins at Carolina Fast Times

CHAPEL HILL, NC – Jeff Williams won the 800 meters and Xavier Rutz won the 3000 meters to lead UNC Greensboro at the Carolina Fast Times meet hosted by North Carolina on Saturday afternoon.

Williams, a junior from South Plainsfield, NJ, won his race in 1:52.11, beating Davidson’s Douglass Noreen by eight-tenths of a second. Rutz, a sophomore from Cary, NC, won the 3000 meters with a time of 8:48.72, besting Davidson’s Sam Morris by nearly 10 seconds.

UNCG’s Nick Vaccaro also set a personal best in the 1500 meters, crossing the line seventh in a time of 3:59.91 to record his first sub-four minute time. Brandon Spencer also had a personal best, recording a distance of 43.48 meters (142 feet, eight inches) in the hammer throw, which was good for ninth place.

The Spartans’ Ryan Rodd also had an impressive debut in the 3000-meter steeplechase. In his first ever appearance in the event, he finished second with a time of 10:32.50.

On the women’s side, Jess Weber recorded a pair of eighth-place finishes in the 800 and 1500 meters.

UNCG returns to action in two weeks for the Southern Conference Track and Field Championship in Statesboro, GA.

AGATE

Women’s Results: 800 Meters: 8. Jess Weber 2:20.93; 15. Erin Lord 2:24.06; 1500 Meters: 8. Jess Weber 4:47.76; 14. Erin Lord 4:58.36; 20. Tricia O'Connell 5:14.04; 3000 Meters: 12. Naomi D'Amours 11:31.49; 16. Tessa Dispennette 12:01.39; 17. Mary Ann Rutz 12:02.79; 5. 3000 Meter Steeplechase 5. Heidi Pinkerton 11:27.41; Long Jump: 19. Kaitlyn Nortz 4.59 meters (15-0.75); Discus: Liz Benzschawel (no distance).

Men’s Results: 800 Meters: 1. Jeff Williams 1:52.11, 28. Tim Kwak 2:10.06; 1500 Meters: 7. Nick Vaccaro 3:59.91; 3000 Meters: 1. Xavier Rutz 8:48.72; 4. Josh Wyatt 9:11.38; 9. Keith Gruchacz 9:21.13; 3000 Meter Steeplechase: 2. Ryan Rodd 10:32.50; Long Jump: 12. Ramon Jobson-Brown 6.20 meters (20-4.25); Discus: Ryan Clark (foul); Hammer: 9. Brandon Spencer 43.48 meters 142-8).

- UNCG -