PHILADELPHIA – Paced by highlight performances from Chioma Njoku in the hammer throw and Katie Turk in the 1,500 meters, the Maryland track and field team had a strong showing on Thursday in its opening day of competition at the Penn Relays.
 
Njoku placed second overall in the Championship division with a mark of 62.77 meters which was her third best throw of the season.
 
Turk won her heat and placed 27^th overall in the 1,500 meters championship with a time of 4 minutes, 22.07 seconds. That time set a new personal best and is the fifth-fastest time in program history.
 
Other highlights from the day include Morgan Graham in the collegiate hammer throw division (52.39m, 11^th) and Isaiah Chapman in the 400-meter hurdles championship race (52.38 seconds, 15^th).
 
Also on the men's side, Andrew Harmon placed 14^th in the hammer throw championship division (58.32 meters), while Fin Essley placed 21^st in the college hammer throw division (53.64 meters).
 
The Terps will resume action on Friday at the Penn Relays beginning at Noon with the college division discus competition.
 
Thursday's Maryland Performances:
Women's Hammer Throw College – Morgan Graham – 52.39m – 11th
Women's Hammer Throw Championship – Chioma Njoku – 62.77 – 2nd
Men's Hammer Throw Championship – Andrew Harmon – 58.32 – 14th
Men's Hammer Throw College – Fin Essley – 53.64 – 21st
Men's 400m Hurdles Championship – Isaiah Chapman – 52.38 – 15th
Women's 1,500m Championship – Katie Turk – 4:22.07 – 27^th – 5^th all-time