April 20, 2012
AUBURN - No. 19 Auburn track set eight new personal bests on Friday night in the first day of action at the 2012 War Eagle Invitational at Hutsell-Rosen Track.
"I'm pretty happy with our performances tonight," Auburn head coach Ralph Spry said. "We had a couple of kids improve their times in the regional standings. Kane Grimster had a good night in the 1500 meters. I think his time will get him to the first round of the NCAAs. In distance races it is important to put up those fast times early before you get to SECs. I was pleased with his effort.
"Niklas Buhner ran a good time in the 5000 meters. I think it was a PR for him. We are looking for him to be big and score some big points at SECs. Elizabeth Briasco and Erin Fondren did a good job tonight. It's the same situation with those two young ladies. They aren't up there at the national level, but they can definitely score for us at SECs. Anytime you have people set PRs, then it's a good night for them."
Action got underway on Friday afternoon with the men's and women's invitational discus throw. Auburn throwers Stephen Saenz (173-1) and Marcus Popenfoose (169-7) led the way with second and third place finishes overall. The duo was the top two collegiate finishers.
Kane Grimster finished second in the men's 1500 meters with a new PR of 3:45.48. Teammate Jeff Sanders was seventh with a new career-best mark of 3:50.41.
Elizabeth Briasco placed third in 17:35.66 in her first collegiate 5000 meter race. Fellow Tiger Erin Fondren set a new PR in 17:36.98 while placing fourth.
In the men's 5000 meters, Niklas Buhner set a new personal-best time with his second place finish in 14:25.64. Teammate Griffin Jaworski was fourth with a new PR of 15:00.32.
In the women's hammer throw, Tori Nwadiogbu (160-4) and Anna McCloskey (149-8) both set new PRs. In the same event, Southern Illinois' Jeneva McCall broke her own track record with a first-place throw of 218-7.
"We have several individuals and relays that are already qualified for nationals, but tomorrow will be a good opportunity for us to get several more and improve our standings if the weather holds up," Spry said. "When you have a quality field like we do here this weekend with Alabama, Mississippi State, Penn State and the professionals, then the stage is set for you to run fast."
Action begins on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT and continues throughout the day. For the latest on Auburn track and field, follow @AUTrack on Twitter.