Harrogate, TN -- The Lincoln Memorial men's and women's track and field teams delivered a series of standout performances at the Dooley Elite Invitational in Emory, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4. The Railsplitters combined for several individual victories and top three finishes across various disciplines, highlighted by five school record performances. Leading the charge for the men, Vincent Quilici secured first place in the 400 meters with a time of 47.62 seconds, while Jaxson Branham claimed the top spot in the 3000 meter steeplechase with a time of 9:29.43, a mark that established a new school record.
The distance crew showed significant depth as Luis Borkey took second place in the 800 meters and Simon Fillers earned a runner up position in the 3000 meters. The steeplechase was a particularly strong event for the men, with Vance Laster and Conner Chandler following Branham to take third and fourth place respectively. In the hurdles, Nile Mclymont and Hunter Preston finished back to back in sixth and seventh in the 400 meter hurdles. The throwing events featured Jackson Clonce, who earned tenth place finishes in both the shot put and discus. Avery Hatfield also made school history in the throwing circle, finishing eighth in the hammer throw while setting a new school record for the program.
The Lady Railsplitters were equally dominant, particularly in the middle distance and distance categories. Theresa Brosthaus won the 800 meters in 2:13.60, with teammate Jacie Begley following closely in third. Emma Hainzer captured first place in the 3000 meters, and Greta Chizzali took the gold in the 3000 meter steeplechase with a school record time of 11:14.83, while Natalia Iker finished right behind her for second place. In the hurdles, Callie Wetzel earned a second place finish in the 400 meter hurdles and etched her name into the record books with a new school best of 1:03.45.
Field events provided more highlights for the women as Emily McPherson leaped to second place in the high jump. Kylee Alvis had a busy and successful day in the throws, highlighted by a third place finish in the javelin and a tenth place result in the discus. Cate Turner also delivered a milestone performance in the hammer throw, finishing fifth overall and breaking the school record for the event. To cap off the meet, the women's 4 x 400 meter relay team consisting of Begley, Brosthaus, Roberts, and Wetzel battled to a fifth place finish. Additional contributions came from Reaghan Curde, who placed fourth in the 1500 meters, and Allyssa Gent, who finished sixth in the 3000 meters, rounding out a day defined by high rankings and record breaking achievements for the Lincoln Memorial program.
"Great performances across the board in all event areas," said head coach Jeff Kavalunas. " Numerous school records and personal bests. Everyone did well executing their events and improving on a couple of specific parts of their events and races, especially in the long sprints."
