BLACKSBURG, Va.- The High Point University Men's Track and Field Team continued its strong early-season at the Hokie Invitational, turning in standout performances across the sprints, jumps, and throws as the Panthers continue to build momentum in their indoor campaign.
Four Panthers won their respective events over the weekend, including Tim Brown in the 400 meter, Justin Sluijter in the long jump, Mobu Nwakor in the triple jump and Shaun Thomas in the high jump. Brown clocked a 48.26 time, Sluijter posted a 7.52m mark, Nwakor landed a 14.87m mark and Thomas cleared 2.06m.
Dominiq Northington also had a strong weekend in multiple events on the track, on Friday night he advanced to the finals in the 60m hurdles and placed fifth with an 8.15 time. He also advanced in the 60m dash and placed third with a personal best time of 6.97, right behind teammate Keshon Sapp who placed second with a 6.96 time. Northington closed out his weekend in the 200m and earned a third-place finish with a 22.20 time.
Ricardo Montes de Oca secured a second-place finish in the pole vault with a clearance of 5.57m, adding another strong mark to his early-season resume. Jackson Tuomey registered a season-best with a 5.27m clear for fourth place.
In the throws, Caleb Barley recorded a major personal best in the shot put, throwing 17.53m to place fourth and cap off a strong day for the Panthers in the field events Friday.
Nigel Steenwinkel and Cole Wilson were the only two combined events athletes to compete over the weekend and each competed in four events. Steenwinkel had a strong performance in the 400m and clocked a 49.47 time for second place behind Brown.
High Point looks to carry this momentum into next weekend as they travel to two meets at Liberty University for the 6th Annual Brant Tolsma meet and the University of Arkansas at the Razorback Invitational. Both meets take place from January 30-31. With multiple event wins and breakthrough performances, the Panthers continue to build confidence as the indoor season progresses.
#GoHPU #DefendTheTeam
