Clemson, S.C.—Auburn freshman Anthony Schwartz broke the Auburn freshman 60m record twice on Friday at the Clemson Tiger Paw Invitational to highlight the Tigers' Day 1 efforts. Schwartz set the program's freshman record in the semifinal heats finishing in 6.62 and less than two hours later broke his own mark posting a 6.59.
Competing in his second collegiate meet, the highly touted Schwartz posted the NCAA's ninth-fastest 60m indoor time this season and equaled the best freshman mark nationally. The Pembroke Pines, Fla., native finished third in the men's 60m dash in a race that featured three of the top nine times collegiately in 2019.
"Anthony really lit it up," Auburn head coach Ralph Spry said. "He's still making that transition (from football) and has a lot of room for improvement. He didn't get a great start like he normally does on his 6.59 race, but he held his composure and was pretty impressive overall."
It was a strong day overall for Auburn as 12 personal bests were established along with one event win and three third-place finishes.
"I thought we competed very well as a team," Spry said. This meet is loaded with great competition. It's the type of meet we are looking for headed into SECs in two weeks."
Sophomore Noah Igbinoghene finished third in the men's long jump en route to a new personal-best mark of 7.71m/25-3.5.
"Noah is starting to get it figured out," Spry said. "He had a PR and even had a foul that was longer. He did a great job and continues to get better each meet."
On the women's side, senior Brenda Kigen won her first collegiate indoor race, claiming the 5000m in 17:09.18. Five PRs were established in the mile, led by Presley Weems' 4:47.56, good for third place. It was the third personal best for Weems in as many races dating back to last week at the Carolina Challenge where she won the mile and 800m.
"I was impressed with Presley, who did another great job in the mile," Spry said. "Brenda has come along nicely and to run the way she did was impressive."
Other personal bests in the race came from Abbey Zane (4:57.99), Frances Patrick (5:02.07), Gigi Madox (5:02.60), and Faith Bett (5:10.45).
Saturday's action at the Tiger Paw Invite will begin at 9:30 a.m. ET. Live results can be found at https://auburntige.rs/2SzMYMR.