Big Orange Concludes Action in Big Apple

(The Herald/ Submitted Photo)

Competing in the 12th edition of the historic Armory Collegiate Invitational in New York City, the Vol track & field squad closed the nation’s biggest and best indoor meet by tying an elusive school record and posting five top-three finishes Saturday at The Armory.

“We had our best competition as far as the opponents we were up against, and came out of the meet with several personal records and season-best performances,” said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country J.J. Clark. “

A day after redshirt freshman Austin Whitelaw broke a UT indoor rookie record in the men’s 5,000-meter at the New Balance Track Center, freshman pole vaulter Jacob Blankenship tied a legendary UT mark.

“It’s the third time we’ve had a freshman record with Jake today, Austin yesterday and Cameron earlier in the season,” said Clark. We also go PRs from Kyle (Walter) and Stephen (Derlath) today and that’s how we’ll keep building. It’s a process and we’re taking the steps you have to take in order to be successful. We’ve got the ball rolling and we’re going to keep adding to it.”