COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland Track and Field team racked up a number of top-three finishes Saturday at the Annual Maryland Invitational. This meet opened the Terps' outdoor season with outstanding performances in field events and the track.
 
During the meet, the M-Club recognized 24 athletes with first year jackets for their hard work and dedication to the track and field program.
 
This week, the Terps will continue their outdoor season and travel to Jacksonville, Florida to compete in the University of North Florida Spring Break Invitational.
 
Coach Valmon was impressed with the Terps opening performance, and noted there is more time to improve throughout the coming up practices. "I want us to have fun, showcase team and give their families an opportunity to see them compete in the jersey. They must wear their jerseys with pride and show what Maryland Pride is about. This is a great group of kids to work with, and I like their fight and energy."
 
The Maryland Men's field event team dominated the field. 2018 NCAA discus throw runner up, Greg Thompson, placed first in discus throw (58.78m). Senior Sam Shoultz opened his last outdoor season with a first place title in high jump (2.08m), which will set the tone for his last season with the Terps.
 
The crowd rallied behind freshman Nate Moore in his Maryland debut, as he excelled in triple jump with a first place finish (14.79m). Senior Carlos Vangezo placed second (14.64m) in the event. Freshman Chris Spiess took home first in pole vault (4.00m). This was his first meet as a Terrapin and will be competing this week in Florida.
 
Hammer thrower Alice Barnsdale tossed her way into first place with a powerful throw of 56.80m. Bayli Smith and Kamryn Henderson placed second and third respectively in the event, with a Terp Sweep. Henderson threw a collegiate career best 12.91m in shot put, which landed her second place. Newcomer Lillian Hill placed third in javelin throw and will continue to compete for the Terps during outdoor.
 
In women's field events, Mikella Lefebvre-Oatis placed second in high jump (1.70m) and New York native Leah Blackall placed first in triple jump (12.12m). 
 
In sprints, freshman Cameron Vereen added to the Terp's first place wins with his performance in the 200m dash. Drew Alfano took second in both the 100m (11.16) and 200m dashes. Colin Rowe competed in the 400m dash with a second place finish, and pushed through the 4x400m relay (3:15.32) with teammates Dashawn Morris, Aaron Robinson and Kameron Jones to earn an additional first place title.
After setting personal bests in the 400m during indoor, Cheyenne Jones finished second in the 200m with a 25.09, making this her first 200m run of the outdoor season. Jaida Smith continued her freshman career with a strong 200m (25.38) finish. Power-duo, Nadia Hackett and Thalia Cooper, finished top three in the 400m hurdles.
 
Maryland's distance team worked together to open the outdoor season in the 5000m, 3000m, 1500m and 800m runs. Senior Patrick Hanley opened his last outdoor season with an overwhelming 14:58.25 in the 5000m and took the title in the event.
 
Alexandra Lucki placed first in the 3000m adding to the last of the Terps' first-place finishes. She is entering her last season with hopes of qualifying and competing in the 2019 Outdoor NCAA Championships. Teammate Christie Laurie followed close behind in the 3000m, finishing second.
 
William Jones(1500m), Jared Loadholt (1500m), Ryan Scott (1500m), Mckenzine Morgan (1500m), Emily McAllister (1500m) Yasmine Kass (1500/800m), Kiernan Keller (800m) and Kirstin Walz (800m) held a steady pace to open the season in the 1500m and 800m races.
 
The women's 4x400m relay team closed the meet with a first place title. Xharia Santiago, Vendia Fagan, Jewel Smith and Thalia Cooper worked together to hold off their opponents with a 3:50.29 finish.
 
This is one of the Terps' many successes for the outdoor season. Stay tuned for more record-breaking times!