Several Eastern Kentucky University track and field student-athletes opened the indoor season with impressive performances at Kentucky’s McCravy Green Invitational this weekend.
Newcomer Ahmed Jaziri – a native of Rades, Tunisia – made a statement in his collegiate debut, winning the men’s 3,000 meters at the line with a time of 8:01.85. That time is the fourth fastest in EKU history, and it currently ranks No. 6 in the NCAA.
Freshman Kayla Smith also had a memorable collegiate debut on Saturday, placing sixth in the finals of the women’s 60 meters with a time of 7.49. That is the fifth fastest time in EKU history and the fastest since 2010. It currently ranks Smith No. 19 in the NCAA.
On Friday, junior Quantasia Perry broke into EKU’s top-five list in the women’s 200 meters, clocking a personal-best time of 24.55 in that event. She currently ranks No. 29 in the NCAA with that time.
Sophomore Alex Leshan (4:13.80 in the men’s mile), junior Lou Trois (10:09.20 in the women’s 3,000 meters), senior Branden Brookfield (15-5 in the men’s pole vault) and junior Samuel Carter (46-1.25 in the men’s triple jump) were among the other Colonels who opened the season with big performances.
The EKU cross country teams will host Morehead State in a dual meet next Saturday, January 23, in Richmond.
— www.EKUSports.com ––
Steve Fohl
Assistant Athletics Director for Creative Content
