Split-squad weekend results in strong early-season marks

Friday, January 19

Flagstaff, Ariz.

Grand Canyon

Lumberjack Team Challenge

Photo by: Nathan Peters

Split-squad weekend results in strong early-season marks

1/20/2024 7:47:00 PM | Track and Field

GCU's efforts in Flagstaff, Albuquerque led by Lemaitre's 800-meter school record

By: Nathan Peters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Grand Canyon track and field team had a strong split squad weekend in its second action of the year this weekend.

"We again had a good meet at UNM (New Mexico), especially for the heavy workload we had at practice this week," Lopes head coach Tom Flood said.

Saturday was the first of four meets for GCU that will take place in Albuquerque this indoor season.

"Our day was highlighted by Germain Lemaitre's school record-breaking performance," Flood said. "Germain didn't have a very clean race and was bumped and boxed several times, so I can't wait to see what he does with a clean race."

The sophomore transfer from France now has the WAC-leading performance in the 800-meter run with his time of 1 minute, 49.76 seconds, which was altitude-adjusted to 1:49.15. This mark sits at eighth nationally this season.

"I thought Neysia Howard had a great day," Flood said. "She was just off our long-standing school record in the 200 meters with a WAC-leading time of 23.93."

Howard also extended her lead in the WAC long jump (5.88 meters) and improved her time in the 60 by running it in 7.51 seconds, the second-best time in the WAC.

The men's 1,6000-meter relay team ran the second-fastest time in school history and the fastest time in the WAC this season by almost five seconds.

The relay was made up of sophomore Ben Stratman, junior Daviciea McCartney, graduate James Smith II and senior Erin Brown. They finished with a time of 3:07.50 before altitude adjustment. This time ranks as the eighth best in the country.

GCU freshman Nicole Prall had an impressive performance in the pole vault with a mark of 3.97 meters.

Amanda Thrue was strong in both the 60 hurdles (8.47 seconds) and the long jump (5.79 meters).

Joanna Archer and Erin Brown continued their early-season success. Archer in the women's 800 race finished in 2:13.78, while Brown went 6.72 seconds in the 60.

Junior Jazmine Scott had a great day in the triple jump with a mark of 12.20 meters.

"On Friday, our NAU group had some nice performances, led by Cannon Angotti's altitude-converted time of 4:10.29 in the mile," Flood said.

Next week, the whole team will compete together on Friday and Saturday at New Mexico.

"We will get back to work on Monday and look to improve our performances again next weekend in Albuquerque," Flood said.

Results from Saturday can be found here.