Jan. 20, 2006
CLEMSON, S.C. - The Auburn men's and women's track and field teams had a successful opening day at the Clemson Invitational, posting five NCAA qualifying marks and winning two individual event titles.
In the men's weight throw, junior Jacob Dunkleberger set a Clemson facility record with a throw of 20.54m (67-4.75), winning the event and improving his provisional qualifying mark by more than one meter. Dunkleberger's toss ranks him second in Auburn indoor history, trailing only teammate Cory Martin.
Senior Jovanee Jarrett was Auburn's other individual winner, claiming the long jump title with a leap of 6.31m (20-8.5). Jarrett's mark was also a provisional qualifying mark and ranks her fourth on Auburn's all-time indoor list. She finished just ahead of junior teammate Michelle Vaughn, who also provisionally qualified by placing second with a jump of 6.11m (20-0.5). Jarrett also qualified for the finals of the 60m dash, posting the seventh-best preliminary time of 7.63 seconds.
"We had a good day," said head coach Ralph Spry. "Our two long jumpers did a great job and we posted some solid marks that should get people to nationals. For the most part we lined up and competed well today. It's been a good trip. Everyone seems rested and focused."
Senior Ronda Gullatte provisionally qualified in the women's weight throw by finishing second with a mark of 19.84m (65-1.25). Senior Josanne Lucas was Auburn's final provisional qualifier, qualifying for the 60m hurdle finals with a preliminary time of 8.26, bettering her time of 8.33 from last week's Kentucky Invitational. Lucas had the second fastest qualifying time, and will be joined in the finals by sophomore Jasmine Johnson, who's time of 8.78 ranked seventh in the prelims.
Auburn had three qualifiers for the finals of the men's 60m hurdles, led by sophomore Ty Akins, who had the second best time in the prelims of 7.97 seconds. Freshman Tavaris Washington was fifth in the prelims with a time of 8.05, while sophomore Reuben McCoy had the 13th-best mark at 8.35.
Sophomore Jamaal Barnes qualified for Saturday's 60m dash finals with the ninth-best prelim time of 7.00 seconds.
Senior Chris George placed second in the men's 5,000m with a time of 15:07.76, while sophomore Becca Bell was fifth in the women's 5,000m in 19:09.47.
The men's distance medley relay team of freshman Dan Periac, sophomore Aharon Conerly, senior Alex Amodeo and senior Clay Askew placed third with a time of 10:18.05.
Competition at the Clemson Invitational will conclude Saturday.