Track Indoor Season Opens at Winter Classic

Women's Track and Field Robert Carnes/Sports Communications

Track Indoor Season Opens at Winter Classic

CLEMSON, S.C. — Members of the Georgia State track and field teams began the 2011-12 indoor season at the Orange and Purple Winter Classic Saturday.

“It was good to one under our belt,” said interim head coach Chris England. “This allowed us to get some of the cobwebs and jitters out. There were some good performances today and this lets us know where the team lies and where we need to improve.”

The top Georgia State individual finisher in the meet was freshman Niamh Kearney, who placed third in the women's 1000 meter race with a time of 3:03.44. The two other Panthers in the event were seniors Danyel Mitchell (5th, 3:08.84) and Brandy Swann (11th, 3:20.18).

In the men's 1000m, sophomore Valentin Poncelet placed fifth with a time of 2:38.97. His teammates in the race were freshmen Dominique Wilson (17th, 2:46.40) and Chris Vanderkleed (21st, 2:53.59).

The three competitors in the women's mile race were Jennifer Rubel (6th, 5:42.76), Andrea Rodriquez (11th, 6:00.28) and Katie Papesh (13th, 6:03.96). Shyam Kapadia placed 10th in the men's mile and teammate Chris Manning finished 17th.

“Our strength lies in the versatility of our athletes,” said England. “We are well-rounded in each area. We may not have any stars, but it takes a whole team to perform well.”

Junior Kesean Henderson placed sixth in the women's weight throw with a toss of 13.64m (44' 09”) and was one of only two field event competitors for GSU.

“There was a lot of transition at this meet,” said England. “The student-athletes were getting used to the changes in the coaching staff and putting all of their training to use in competition.”

The indoor season will recommence in January 2012 after the student-athletes return from the winter break.

www.GeorgiaStateSports.com

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