High Point, N.C. – Led by a podium finish by Austin Cline, the Western Carolina track and field teams wrapped up day one of competition at the crowded VertKlasse Meeting, hosted by High Point at Vert Stadium in the Piedmont Triad.

The Catamounts claimed four top-five finishes on the opening day, with Cline taking third in the men's hammer throw elite section. Additionally, Noah Brannon posted a second-place finish in the men's high jump "B" section for WCU's highest individual finish of day one.  

Placing in the "Elite" section of the men's hammer throw, Cline competed in an already filtered nine-person flight. The senior from Catawba, N.C., claimed his third-place finish behind Jack Knapke and Brandt Morlock from Ohio State, with a personal record 55.38m toss on his fourth attempt. Cline was one of only four student-athletes with a throw over 55 meters in the elite section.  

Dominick Dale also claimed a top-five finish in the hammer throw, placing fifth in the full event. The senior Catamount set a new personal record in the event with a 50.89m toss on his second throw of the day.  

Noah Brannon set a new personal record in the high jump, earning second place with a 2.02m clear. The freshman was tied in terms of top clear with event winner Elijah Rose, though Rose held the tiebreaker due to having fewer attempts.  

On the women's side, Madeline Hladik claimed a top-five finish in the 5000m. She was one of only five student-athletes in the field with a sub-18:00 finish, taking fifth with a 17:57.75 time.

The Catamounts return to action in High Point tomorrow morning, with events beginning at 9 a.m. Action from High Point can be seen live on ESPN+ (paid subscription required) beginning on Friday at 2 p.m.