Hemmings Highlights Successful Friday for Track and Field

CLEMSON, S.C. – Trishauna Hemmings’ fine form in the women’s 60-meter hurdles continued on Friday as the senior from Kingston, Jamaica, became the No. 6 performer on Clemson’s all-time list with her time of 8.18 during the events’ preliminary round. Hemmings was one of nine Clemson athletes to earn a personal best during Friday’s action, while a total of 25 season-best marks were recorded this afternoon by the program.

“It was another good day, and for some, it was even a great day,” said Director of Track and Field Mark Elliott. “To make the top-10 list in the women’s hurdles at Clemson is big time, and for Trishauna to run 8.18 at this time of the year is awesome.”

Elliott would later go on to say, “The great thing about track and field is that you just need an opportunity and we’re glad to have that opportunity. We’re excited about tomorrow.”

The Tigers’ distance crew proved to be another bright spot for the program on Friday, as the group excelled in both the men’s and women’s mile. Riley Coggin was the top Tiger in the women’s section of the event, as the Brentwood, Tenn., native was one of four Clemson runners to earn a season’s best in the race. On the men’s side, Michael Smith broke the 4:20 barrier in the mile for the first time in his career, running 4:19.36 to be one of four Clemson runners to earn a personal best from the race.

“I can relate to the distance times and Coach Vicky (Pounds) is doing a great job with the distance kids,” said Elliott. “I can see the team coming together and hopefully we keep it going.”

Friday’s Highlights

• Kori Carter ran a season’s best in the women’s 60-meter hurdles during the event’s Final, sprinting to a result of 8.46. Carter would finish fifth overall in the event.
• Fabian Hewitt and Giano Roberts made their season debuts in the men’s 60 meters, respectively running 6.84 and 6.90 during the event’s prelims.
• Jevon Williams made his Clemson debut by contesting the 600 meters on Friday, running 1:23.58 to finish fourth overall. Carson Tillman was the first Tiger across the line after running 1:22.97.
• Devon Brooks made his highly anticipated season debut in the men’s 60-meter hurdles, running 7.93 to finish as the top collegiate runner. Brooks finished second overall in the race.
• Caroline Johnston and Zeniyah Lawrence each set season bests in the women’s long jump, as Johnston led the way for the Tigers with her leap of 5.72m (18-9.25).
• The duo of Collin Neel and Cade Jones continued to impress in the men’s weight throw, as the two recorded personal bests this afternoon
• In the women’s pole vault, Jessica Brewer and Alex Svacha were each successful on their first attempts at 3.35 meters (10-11.75) and 3.50 meters (11-5.75). The two finished in a tie for sixth overall with their clearance of 3.50 meters.
• DJ Ledell was the lone competitor for Clemson in the men’s long jump, leaping to 6.92 meters (22-8.5) on his fourth jump of the competition. Ledell finished fifth overall in the event.

Clemson will return to action tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. for day two of the Clemson Invitational. Competition in the field events is slated to get underway at 11 a.m., while events on the track will start at noon.

For all of the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson’s Track & Field program, be sure to reference clemsontigers.com and follow @ClemsonTrackXC on Twitter.