Mill Spring, N.C. – Western Carolina track and field followed up a strong opening day performance at the Tryon International Winter Invitational with an even stronger second day, taking three more first-place finishes and 18 total top-five placements.
Freshman Bradley White led the day for the Catamounts, taking the top spot in his first collegiate indoor mile and 800m competition. Both of White's finishes were close, as the freshman won the 800m by just under a full second with his 1:54.40 finish. His finish in the mile run was closer as his 4:14.73 finish just edged out Anderson's Spain Vaughan by .06 seconds.
Additionally, Bennett Whitefield rose two spots in the heptathlon, taking first-place in the event for the first time in his career. His 4,685 points were a career best total in the event, edging teammates Ethan Hibberts (2nd – 4,593) and Colby Capps (5th – 4,383) close behind in the final rankings.
Katherine Hopkins led the women's team in her indoor season debut, taking second place in the 3,000m run. The Lincolnton, N.C. product set a PR in the event by nearly a full 20 seconds, finishing in 10:07.52.
Raelyn Vadala and Jada Erwin also posted strong performances, taking two top-five finishes apiece. Vadal's came in the women's long jump (3rd – 5.47m) and the triple jump (11.96m), while Erwin's performances came in the 200m (3rd – 25.27s) and the 400m (5th – 58.51s).
Up Next for The Catamounts:
The Catamounts have a week away from competition before returning to the Tryon International indoor facility for the ECE Banked is Best Invitational on Jan. 30.
WCU then heads to Lynchburg, Va., for the Liberty-hosted Darius Dixon Memorial Invitational on Feb. 13-14 for the final indoor regular season tune-up before the Southern Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships Feb. 27-28 in Lexington, Va.
Top Catamount Performances:
Bennett Whitefield – 1st Heptathlon (4,685)
Ethan Hibberts – 2nd Heptathlon (4,593)
Colby Capps – 5th Heptathlon (4,383)
Lexie Durban – 4th Weight Throw (15.78m)
Raelyn Vadala – 3rd Long Jump (5.47m)
Austin Cline – 3rd Weight Throw (15.33m)
Kwan Oates – 4th Triple Jump (14.18m)
Raelyn Vadala – 5th Triple Jump (11.96m)
Bradley White – 1st 1 Mile (4:14.73)
Richard Painters-Baker – 4th 60H (8.39s)
Shaneil Lysight – 4th 60H (8.90s)
Kyndal Saunders – 4th 400m (57.98s)
Jada Erwin – 5th 400m (58.51s)
Bradley White – 1st 800m (1:54.40)
Trevor Williams – 5th 800m (1:55.94)
Ashlyn Watkins – 3rd 800m (2:23.91)
Jada Erwin – 3rd 200m (25.27s)
Katherine Hopkins – 2nd 3000m (10:07.52)
