Thompson breaks pole vault record

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –

Troy State sophomore Michelle Thompson continued her amazing assault on the Troy State Women’s Track & Field record book this past Saturday at the Samford Invitational. Thompson, who has broken the TSU pole vault record three times this season, reached a personal goal and new record height of 10 feet as she took home first place in the event.

"She’s such a dedicated worker and has come so far this season," said TSU Head Women’s Coach Andy McCampbell reflecting on Thompson’s feat. "I can’t say enough good things about her."

For the Lady Trojans Amanda Mason continued her conference dominance in the javelin, winning with a toss of 136’6". Ioanna Dafermou returned from an injury to capture the discus with a heave of 125’2" and Takia Shots took first place in the shot put with a 39’9" throw.

Sherion Taylor had another outstanding day in the triple jump, winning with a 39’8" effort. Other noteworthy performances for the women’s team included personal bests by Kesha Wisham in the javelin 102’5" for third place, Casey Wiegley’s second place leap in the high jump (5’2"), Lindsey Minnihan placed second in the 3000 meters, and Natalie Simmon’s personal best of 25.91 in the 200, which earned her a fifth place in a very fast field.

Winners on the men’s side included Brennan Jack in the shot put (49’7"), Jesse Morrow in the 110 high hurdles (14.45), and Johnnie Peppers in the high jump (6’4"). TSU Football star Branden Hall finished second behind Jack in the shot put and freshman distance runner Chris Batista ran a personal best of 4:01 in the 1500 to finish third.

"We rested a few people down today and changed some others to events that aren’t as risky, injury-wise, in preparation for the Atlantic Sun Championships," said TSU Director of Track and Field Bob Lambert. "I am always concerned about injuries, so we try to be a bit smarter as we near the conference championships. Overall we’re in pretty good shape, but we do have a couple of key athletes that are questionable for next weekend."

The meet was a tune-up for the Atlantic Sun Championships to be held this coming weekend at Memorial Stadium at TSU. Atlantic Sun competition gets underway at the Colley Track at 4 p.m. this Friday and continues all day Saturday. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend.