AUBURN, Ala. – The Clemson track and field program opened its 2021 outdoor campaign Friday night at the Tiger Track Classic on the Hutsell-Rosen Track at Auburn University.
Ethan Cocco, John-Erik Drwal and Luke Pauldine each represented Clemson for the first time in their careers on Friday, as the three freshmen contested the men’s javelin throw. Cocco led the Tigers’ contingent by finishing 5th overall thanks to his toss of 58.05 meters (190 feet, 6 inches) on his fourth attempt. Pauldine finished close behind Cocco in 6th after throwing 56.34m (184-10) on his first attempt of the competition. Drwal finished 11th after going 49.56m (162-7). Cocco earned a personal best thanks to his performances Friday night.
In the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, Michael Smith crossed the line in 9:33.82 to record the third-fastest time in his career for the event. Smith was the lone athlete to cross the line in the event on Friday.
“It was a good day for us! We had two athletes make the final for the javelin, and they were both freshmen, so it gives us a good idea of where we are as it relates to that event. Michael [Smith] had a pretty good steeplechase as the lone athlete, so that’s a good start,” remarked Clemson’s Director of Track & Field, Mark Elliott. “Tomorrow is where the larger group will get going, so we’ll have a better idea of where we are following that.”
Clemson returns to action on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. as Alex Svacha and Jessica Brewer will compete in the women’s pole vault. The women’s 4x100m relay is slated to get things underway on the track at 1 p.m.
For all of the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson’s Track & Field program, be sure to reference clemsontigers.com and follow @ClemsonTrackXC on Twitter.
