ATLANTA, GA (April 22, 2023) – The Claflin University men’s and women’s track & field teams returned to competition at the 2023 Georgia Tech Invitational. Though there weren’t many Panthers and Lady Panthers in competition, the team had some great individual showings at the meet.
It was on the track where the Panthers made the most noise. Freshman Jaevon Riley stood out when he ran an NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time of 52.98 to place fifth in the event. The result is currently the third best time in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). He returned later in the day to join the Panthers’ 4x400m relay team that also placed fifth at the meet. The team’s 3:14.34 result is currently the second-best time in the CIAA. The freshman duo of Reginald Gore and Jakarriez Sanders also continued their great seasons as well. Gore placed 77th in the men’s 1500m run with a 4:11.22 while Sanders placed 80th with a 4:12.94. The results left the duo ranked second and third in the CIAA rankings as well.
The Lady Panthers also had a strong day as well with the team showing some steady improvements. Sophomore Zoe Adams placed 25th in the women’s 400m dash with a 57.76. Freshman Pheijana Burnside added a 25th placed finish of her own in the women’s 100m hurdles when she ran a 15.35. Junior Jonnica Fuller added a 43rd placed finish in the women’s 400m dash with a 1:00.29.
The Claflin University men’s and women’s outdoor track & field teams will return to action next weekend when they take part in the East Coast Relays hosted by the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information on Lady Panthers and Panthers track & field, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.