Auburn, Ala.—Rain and cold, windy conditions didn't deter the Auburn track and field team Friday as the Tigers won four individual events and posted nine personal-best marks during Day 1 of the War Eagle Invitational at Hutsell-Rosen Track.
The first three hours of competition Friday saw intermittent heavy rain and windy conditions during the field event competition, making runways and conditions difficult for the competitors.
All-American Kylee Carter, currently ranked No. 3 in the country in the javelin, won her fifth consecutive event of 2019, defeating a strong field, with a best mark of 51.38m/168-7. Carter defeated Memphis' Ashly Prkye, who is currently ranked second in the country. Senior Peyton Montgomery (46.57m/152-9) was fourth while sophomore Ashley Carter (44.08m/144-7) took fifth.
Freshman All-American Madi Malone won her second hammer throw of the outdoors season with a throw of 64.04m/210-1, while teammate Erin Perkins was sixth (60.13m/197-3). Three of Malone's sixth throws were among the top four marks in school history. Her sixth and final throw of 64.04m is the second best hammer mark behind her school record of 64.49m set two weeks ago at the Tiger Track Classic. Malone's third and fourth throws of 63.77m and 63.82m, respectively, are the No. 3 and No. 4 throws all-time at Auburn.
In the men's javelin throw, senior John Putnam was the top collegiate competitor and third overall (60.08m/197-1), while redshirt freshman Erik Ebel was fifth (52.17m/171-2).
On the track, three distance events were contested, with Auburn recording two victories and nine personal best times.
Sophomore Joyce Kimeli led wire-to-wire to win the women's 3000m steeplechase in 10:27.17, the second fastest time in Auburn history in the event. It was the second time in her career to run the event as she shaved over 30 seconds off her previous best ran at the 2018 SEC Outdoor Championships.
Sophomore Abbey Zane won her second collegiate race as she led the Tigers to a sweep in the women's 5000m invitational. Zane ran a PR time of 17:23.58 to cross under two seconds ahead of teammate Mercy Kiprop (17:25.36). Hannah Tarwater grabbed bronze to compete the AU sweep with a time of 17:40.79.
Brenda Kigen took silver in the women's 1500m invitational in a time of 4:31.51, while Silas Kipngetich finished third in the men's 3000m steeplechase in 9:09.50.
Saturday will mark senior day for the Auburn program as 11 seniors will be recognized at 11:30 a.m. CT. Field events begin at 11:30 a.m. with running events starting at noon with the women's 4x100m relay. Action will conclude on Day 2 with the men's 4x400m relay at 4:25 p.m.
The 11 seniors being honored Saturday including seven women and four men. The group includes men John Putnam, Mark Rubalcaba, Alex Tucker and Kevin Wyss and Skyler Daniel, Ann Gierow, Mattie McLawhorn, Peyton Montgomery, Ivana Muzaric, Erin Perkins and Danielle Springer on the women's side.
WAR EAGLE INVITATIONAL
DAY 1 RESULTS
Men's Hammer Throw
7. Erik Ebel, 55.91m/183-5
Women's Hammer Throw
1. Madi Malone, 64.04m/210-1
6. Erin Perkins, 60.13m/197-3
Men's Triple Jump
--. Mark Rubalcaba, FOUL
Women's Triple Jump
6. Kennedy Brown, 11.86m/38-11
--. Sarah Little, FOUL
Women's Javelin
1. Kylee Carter, 51.38m/168-7
4. Peyton Montgomery, 46.57m/152-9
5. Ashley Carter, 44.08m/144-7
Men's Javelin
3. John Putnam, 60.08m/197-1
5. Erik Ebel, 52.17m/171-2
Women's 1500m Invitational
2. Brenda Kigen, 4:31.51
10. Faith Bett, 4:44.63
Women's 3000m Steeplechase
1. Joyce Kimeli, 10:27.17
6. Frances Patrick, 11:26.43
Men's 3000m Steeplechase
3. Silas Kipngetich, 9:09.50
Women's 5000m Invitational
1. Abbey Zane, 17:23.58
2. Mercy Kiprop, 17:25.36
3. Hannah Tarwater, 17:30.83
6. Heather McClure, 17:40.79
7. Louisa McPherson, 17:42.69
--. GiGi Maddox, DNF
Men's 5000m Invitational
4. Kevin Wyss, 14:25.03
6. Tommy McDonough, 14:48.76
7. Jack Rogers, 14:49.39
15. Andy Smith, 15:24.79