BY ASHLEY MARTIN
Staff Writer

Salisbury University’s track team had their first outdoor home meet in freezing weather on Saturday, March 2.

Athletes from SU and other schools like Shenandoah College, Stevenson University, Gallaudet University, and Middlesex College gathered on a cold Saturday for the Lloyd Sigler Spring outdoor meet. SU track alumni also attended to support the team and even participate in some of the events.

The Sea Gulls came away with many competitive wins. The men walked away winning 11 events, earning 330 points, and the women won six events, earning 250 points.

“It’s a lovely experience having all the teams come out and see where we’re at,” sophomore Devin Hopkins said. “We’re trying and working hard to make qualifiers this year. That’s our goal.”

Hopkins won the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles along with the long jump. He was neck and neck for the first place spot in the 400-meter with teammate Blake Bussard, only beating Bussard by a second and a half.

Junior Kara Tolson was named fastest woman at the meet when she won first place in the 100-meter dash. Freshman Lauren Synder followed behind her, winning second place. Senior Jacob Adedeji won first in the men’s 100-meter dash, and Senior Adrian Jackson claimed second.

“We’re definitely showing that big contenders this year,” Tolson said.

SU alumnus Chris Barnard came in first for the 3000-meter Steeplechase, finishing with a 9:40 record time. In the men’s high jump event, freshman Xavier Stinson came in first with 1.85 meters, Adedeji second with 1.80 meters, and senior Paul Herbert came in third with 1.75 meters.

“Expect us to improve and do even better on the performances we had today,” Herbert said the day of the meet. “We want to set ourselves up good going into the CAC championship in May.”

Sophomore Tara Greco took first place in the women’s long jump with a score of 4.99 meters. Kara Tolson came in second for SU in the high jump event with 1.48 meters. Tolson and Snyder along with teammates sophomores Brooke Schulz and Ameera Teal took first place in in the 4×400-meter relay with a time of 4:25.

As the competitions continued snow flurries appeared on and off throughout the day. Fans and supporters were wrapped in blankets and heavy coats to cheer on the teams.

“This was one of those meets that tested us because of the cold weather,” Tolson said. “But we showed how prepared we were by still coming out on top.”

“Despite the cold conditions, we did great in the competitions,” Coach Jones said. “Hopefully we can keep it up and stay healthy for the CAC championship in May, which will be held here.”

Both teams wanted to show through their performance that they are looking forward to their outdoor season. Junior Sadie Mangold said this meet gave them a great transition from indoor to outdoor, and that their performances showed off all the practice they put in.

The teams are looking forward to their next meet in Winston Salem, NC at the Wake Forest Invitational on March 15 and 16.