CLEMSON, SC – Jeff Williams successfully defended his indoor title in the 800 meters to highlight UNC Greensboro’s performances at the 2006 Southern Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships this weekend.
“I am very proud of everyone’s performances today,” said UNCG coach Rachelle Roberts. “We had several tremendous efforts this weekend. It was great to see Jeff defend his 800 title. He took control right from the gun and ran the best race of his college career.”
The junior from South Plainfield, NJ won the final race in a time of 1:53.57, breaking his own school record to reclaim the title he won last year. He also finished first in his preliminary heat, setting the stage for the finals.
Jess Weber and Heidi Pinkerton also broke school records on the women’s side. Weber finished sixth in the mile run with a time of 5:13.71. Pinkerton was ninth in the 3,000 meters with a time of 10:31.0 and fifth in the 5,000 meters, crossing the line in 18:17.17.
“It was awesome to see three records fall on the women's side,” said Roberts. “Heidi and Jess have worked hard all season and have been really close to those records. They could not have picked a better time to break them.”
Also earning all-conference honors on the men’s side were Charles Jones (second place in triple jump), Xavier Rutz (sixth place in 5,000 meters) and Nick Vaccaro (fourth place in the mile run)"
“Charles stepped up in the triple jump and did what he had to do,” said Roberts. “He had been battling an injury all week. We knew he didn't have many jumps in him today.”
Naomi D'Amours, Mary Rutz and Stephanie Maltais also recorded personal records in the 5,000 meters.
Appalachian State won the women’s team title, while Western Carolina won the men’s team title.
AGATE
Women’s Team Standings: Appalachian State 148.5, Western Carolina 122, Georgia Southern 118, Chattanooga 108, Furman 42, Elon 40, College of Charleston 26.5, The Citadel 25, Davidson 22, UNCG 8.
Women’s Results: Mile Run: 6. Jess Weber 5:13.71; 10. Tricia O'Connell 5:29.42, 12. Kathy Oldham 5:26.45; 800 Meters (Prelim. Heat) 7. Erin Lord 2:27.91 (did not advance to finals); 3000 Meters: 9. Heidi Pinkerton 10:31.0; 5000 Meters: 5. Heidi Pinkerton 18:17.17, 19. Stephanie Maltais 20:17.60, 20. Naomi D'Amours 20:19.67, 21. Mary Rutz 20:35.46; Distance Medley Relay: 7. UNCG (Oldham, Lord, O’Connell, Weber) 12:50.72.
Men’s Team Standings: Western Carolina 277, Appalachian State 213, The Citadel 43, Chattanooga 40, Davidson 33, UNCG 30, Wofford 13.
Men’s Results: Mile Run: 4. Nick Vaccaro 4:20.01, 14. Ryan Rodd 4:32.67; 800 Meters (Prelim. Heat) 1. Jeff Williams 1:57.86; 800 Meters (Finals): 1. Jeff Williams 1:53.57; 5000 Meters: 12. Josh Wyatt 15:42.96, 13. Keith Gruchacz 15:59.95; Distance Medley Relay: 5. UNCG (Rodd, Jobson-Brown, Williams, Vaccaro) 10:37.64; Long Jump: 9. Ramon Jobson-Brown 6.39 meters (20-11.75); Triple Jump: 2. Charles Jones 15.05 meters (49-4.50); Weight Throw: 10. Brandon Spencer 11.86 meters (38-11.00).
- UNCG -