ORLANDO – Fresh from the men’s NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship at the University of Arkansas, the Florida track and field teams opened the outdoor season Saturday by winning seven events at the UCF Black and Gold Challenge at the UCF Track and Field Complex.
Teams from Arkansas, Bethune-Cookman, Florida Tech, Kentucky joined the Gators and the host Knights in the low-key competitive meet.
“I thought it was a good season-opening meet that allowed our younger athletes to get some experience and help them get ready for the outdoor season,” said Florida head coach Mike Holloway, who was named the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s national men’s indoor head coach of the year. “I was especially impressed with Sean Obinwa in his opening race to get the victory and more than a second PR in the 800.”
Freshman middle distance runner Sean Obinwa won the men’s 800-meter run with a personal-best time of 1:51.96. Teammate Ethan Philpot was second at 1:52.30 and John Mitchell was third in 1:54.12.
Redshirt freshman thrower Jeremy Postin began his outdoor season with a victory in the hammer competition with a throw of 186 feet, 8 inches. David Triassi was second with his 184-9 effort.
Junior pole vaulter Daisy Glasser won the women’s event with a 12-0 vault. Sophomore Claire Spurling was third with a 11-6.25 vault and freshman Caitlin Schuessler fourth with a 11-6.25 vault.
Freshman Alexis Muniz won the women’s high jump with a leap of 5-5.
The Florida women’s 4×100-meter relay team picked up a victory in the event, winning in a time of 45.31. The quartet consisted of freshman Lanie Whittaker, sophomore Alishea Usery, junior Danielle Williams and senior Shara Proctor.
Junior hurdler Jarius Cooper won the men’s 110-meter hurdles in a time of 14.26, while 2010 NCAA Indoor All-American Preston Wilson captured the 400-meter run in 48.04.
Florida returns to action Saturday in the UCF Invitational in Orlando.